Jared J. Pehrson | August 15, 2025 | Arizona Law

What Happens if I Don't Show Up for Jury Duty?

Jury duty is an important responsibility of being a citizen in the United States. In Arizona, just like in other states, residents may be summoned to appear in court and serve on a jury. While it may feel inconvenient, serving on a jury helps ensure that our justice system is fair and that a group of one’s peers judges people accused of crimes or involved in lawsuits. 

But what happens if you decide not to show up? The consequences of skipping jury duty in Arizona can be serious, and it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities before making that choice. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Jury Duty Matters

Jury duty is more than just a civic obligation—it’s a way to participate directly in our democracy. Arizona courts depend on ordinary citizens to help decide cases fairly. By showing up, you give the parties a chance to have their case decided by a jury of their peers, whose role is to weigh the evidence fairly.

Skipping jury duty not only affects the court system, but it can also put you in legal trouble. Courts cannot function properly without enough jurors, which is why Arizona law has strict rules and penalties for ignoring a summons.

What a Jury Duty Summons Means

If you receive a jury summons in Arizona, it means the court has randomly selected you from a list of registered voters and licensed drivers. The summons will provide a date, time, and location for you to report.

Showing up does not always mean you’ll serve on a trial right away. Often, many people are called, and only some are chosen after a selection process. But even if you are not picked for a case, appearing when summoned is mandatory.

Consequences of Ignoring Jury Duty in Arizona

Failing to show up for jury duty in Arizona can result in penalties under state law. Judges take jury duty seriously, and ignoring your summons could lead to:

Fines

You may be ordered to pay a fine for failing to appear. The amount depends on the county and the judge’s decision, but it can reach several hundred dollars.

Contempt of Court

Not showing up may be treated as contempt of court, which means disobeying a direct order from the court. Contempt charges can carry additional fines or even jail time in rare cases.

Warrants

In extreme situations, a bench warrant could be issued for your arrest. While this does not happen often, it is a legal possibility if you repeatedly ignore summonses.

Skipping jury duty once may not always result in the harshest penalty, but repeated failures will almost certainly draw stronger consequences from the court.

What if You Can’t Make It?

Life happens, and sometimes the date on your summons may not work. Fortunately, Arizona courts allow you to request a deferral or exemption in some situations.

Common valid reasons include:

  • Illness or medical conditions that prevent you from attending
  • Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be changed
  • Financial hardship that serving would cause, such as missing critical work
  • Caregiving responsibilities for children, elderly parents, or others

To request a postponement or exemption, you must follow the instructions on your summons and notify the court as soon as possible. Courts generally require documentation to support your request, such as a doctor’s note or proof of travel plans. Ignoring the summons without communicating is not acceptable.

Just like the court system depends on citizens to serve as jurors, injury victims depend on skilled lawyers to stand up for them. At Impact Legal Car Accident Attorneys, we’ve helped countless Arizonans rebuild their lives after devastating car accidents and other types of accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in Phoenix, we’re here to listen to your story and fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix personal injury lawyer.

We serve Maricopa County and Arizona’s surrounding areas.

Impact Legal Car Accident Attorneys
16202 N Cave Creek Rd Suite D, Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 345-1818