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In current times, people find themselves very busy as they have to juggle between work and family responsibilities while finding some time for themselves. So, for someone who is very busy, getting summoned to the court may be inconvenient, and sometimes their busy schedules make them forget that they have to go to court. In a state like Maryland, missing out on your jury duty is not an option once summoned, as it can escalate into serious matters.
Due to this reason, many people worry about it and ask questions like “What happens if you miss your jury duty?” after they realize that they forgot their service date. In Maryland, while missing out on your jury duty can lead to follow-ups and an order to appear in court, it does not always lead to punishment. But repeated incidents can escalate the matter quickly if you fail to respond.
So, here’s what happens when you fail to show up for jury duty in Maryland.
1) Remember that courts follow up.
So, if this is your incident and you missed your jury duty, you don’t have to be worried about being fined or punished right away. The first step in such cases would be the jury duty sending you a failure to appear notice. Sometimes they may just call you to reschedule or explain what happened.
However, if you have been found repeating this, you may face penalties and a fine of up to $1000, jail for up to 60 days, or even both. Even though it may sound intense, courts give people an opportunity to respond before they are given the punishment.
2) You will have to explain your absence.
The courts will then give you a different date to appear in court and explain why you weren’t able to show up the previous time. Having a reasonable cause can exempt you from consequences, while filing a good reason may get you consequences.
A few reasonable excuses include reasons like a medical emergency, a serious family emergency, any issues with the address, or travel disruptions due to weather. Ensure that you carry proper documentation when you go to court.
3) Fine or jail time
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Even though the Maryland court excuses many first-time offenses, the law states that failing to show up for jury duty can include a fine of up to $1000 or up to 60 days in jail, or sometimes even both. Failing to complete the jury duty even after warnings can lead to higher penalties, such as up to 90 days and a bigger fine amount.
4) How can missing out on jury duty affect your future?
It is always recommended that you finish your jury duty on the said date, as missing out on it only causes more inconveniences and stress. Your service may be rescheduled to a new date that might not be in your favor; you may have to appear in court to explain yourself, lose work time due to follow-ups, and risk additional penalties.
What should you do if you miss your jury duty?
If you miss your jury duty, it is best that you take the necessary action on the same day if possible. The steps you can take include”
- Calling the jury office
- Give a proper explanation of what happened.
- Ask if they will be able to reschedule and reconfirm the date.
- Keep proof of your calls or emails with the rescheduled dates.
- Show up on the new date.
By taking responsibility and communicating quickly, courts usually give you consideration.
Final Takeaways
- Jury duty is mandatory when summoned, so missing out can lead to follow-up actions.
- You may receive a call or a failure to appear notice from the court.
- Repeated offenses or major issues may lead to penalties with fines up to $1000 or 60 days of jail time.
- Having a valid reason, like medical or family emergencies, can help you avoid penalties.
- The longer you ignore the court, the more severe the consequences.
- Take the necessary action, like calling the court if you missed your date.
