It is a legal requirement for citizens of the United States to serve on jury duty when summoned. Missing jury duty in Washington State can have serious repercussions, and it is important to understand what could happen if you miss jury duty.

Consequences of Missing Jury Duty

Missing jury duty in Washington State can result in a number of penalties, including being fined, arrested, or held in contempt of court. The court may also issue an arrest warrant for you if you fail to appear for jury duty, and the penalties may be harsher if you have an outstanding warrant or criminal record.

If you fail to appear for jury duty without letting the court know, the court will send a letter to your address informing you that you have missed jury duty. The letter will also give you instructions on how to proceed and how to contact the court.

If you fail to contact the court after receiving the letter, the court may issue a summons to appear in court. At this point, you may be required to explain why you missed jury duty and may also be subject to fines or other penalties.

How to Avoid Missing Jury Duty

The best way to avoid missing jury duty is to make yourself aware of when your jury duty is scheduled and to make sure you show up on time. If you know you will be unable to make it on the scheduled date, let the court know as far in advance as possible.

Additionally, you should keep your contact information up to date with the court so that they can contact you in case of any changes or if a summons is issued. It is also important to keep the court informed if you move or change your address.

Requesting to Reschedule Jury Duty

If you are unable to make it on the scheduled date, you can request to reschedule your jury duty. The request must be made in writing, and the court will then decide if your request can be granted. In some cases, the court may be able to accommodate your request, but it will depend on the circumstances.

Conclusion

Missing jury duty in Washington State can have serious consequences, including fines, arrest, or being held in contempt of court. To avoid missing jury duty, it is important to make yourself aware of when your jury duty is scheduled and to make sure you show up on time. If you are unable to make it on the scheduled date, you can request to reschedule your jury duty, although the court may not be able to accommodate your request.