Situation card · Know your rights
Got a jury summons? What it means and what to do
What a jury summons is, who can serve, how to ask for a new date, and what to do if you are not a U.S. citizen.
The 10-second version: say this
Diga o muestre la frase en inglés. Debajo está lo que significa. Traducción de Hope for Americans.
- I can't serve on these dates. May I postpone to a later date?No puedo servir en estas fechas. ¿Puedo posponerlo para una fecha más adelante?
- I am not a U.S. citizen, so I am not eligible to serve.No tengo la ciudadanía estadounidense, así que no puedo servir como jurado.
- My employer needs proof that I served. May I have a letter?Mi empleador necesita prueba de que serví. ¿Me pueden dar una carta?
Answer the summons by its deadline, even if you can't serve.Responda la citación antes de la fecha límite, aunque no pueda servir.
Do
- Read the summons and answer it by the deadline.
- Ask to postpone if the dates don't work.
- Tell your employer as soon as you get it.
- If you are not a citizen, say so on the form.
Don't
- Don't ignore it. Courts can fine people who do.
- Don't check "citizen" if you are not one.
- Don't look up the case online while you serve.
- Don't post about the case while you serve.
Practice saying it
Saying it out loud a few times makes it easier to remember under stress. Nothing is saved.
I can't serve on these dates. May I postpone to a later date?
I am not a U.S. citizen, so I am not eligible to serve.
My employer needs proof that I served. May I have a letter?
What a jury summons is
- A summons is an official order to come to court for possible jury service.
- It does not mean you are in trouble.
- Juries decide criminal cases and many civil cases. The 6th and 7th Amendments protect the right to a jury trial.
- Many people who come in are never picked for a trial.
Who can serve
- Only U.S. citizens can serve on a jury.
- You must be 18 or older and live in the court's area.
- For federal juries, you must also read, write, and speak English.
- People charged with or convicted of a felony cannot serve on a federal jury unless their rights were restored. State rules differ.
If you are not a U.S. citizen
- Courts often get names from DMV and voter lists, so noncitizens sometimes get a summons by mistake.
- Answer the summons and say that you are not a U.S. citizen.
- Never check a box saying you are a citizen. A false claim of citizenship can lead to deportation.
If the dates don't work
- Most courts let you postpone once or more. Ask before the deadline.
- You can ask to be excused for a hardship, like caring for a child or a medical issue. Courts decide case by case.
- Full-time students can often move their date to a school break.
Your job
- Federal law protects permanent employees from being fired or threatened for serving on a federal jury.
- Most states have similar laws for state juries.
- Your employer may not have to pay you while you serve. The court pays a small daily amount.
- Ask the court for a letter that shows the days you served.
While you serve
- Don't research the case, the people, or the lawyers online.
- Don't post about the case or talk about it with anyone until it ends.
- Follow the judge's instructions. Breaking them can lead to a mistrial or a penalty.
Common questions
Can I ignore a jury summons?
No. Answer it by the deadline, even if you can't serve. Courts can fine people who ignore a summons. You can usually ask to postpone to a later date.
Can a noncitizen get a jury summons?
Yes, by mistake. Courts often use DMV and voter lists. Only U.S. citizens can serve. If you are not a citizen, say so on the form. Never claim to be a citizen.
Can my employer fire me for jury duty?
For federal juries, no. Federal law protects permanent employees from being fired or threatened for serving. Most states have similar laws for state juries.
Who can serve on a federal jury?
U.S. citizens 18 or older who have lived in the court's area for a year and can read, write, and speak English. People charged with or convicted of a felony cannot serve unless their rights were restored.
The law you are citing
Sixth Amendment (1791): A person charged with a crime has the right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury
Seventh Amendment (1791): Many civil cases in federal court have the right to a jury.
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved
Get help
- Federal jury serviceuscourts.gov: Juror information