Failure to Attend Jury Service: What Happens if You Miss It

Originally written by Dave Howell, updated by the editorial team on 16th June 2026

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Failure to Attend Jury Service: What Happens if You Miss It

Who can be called for jury service

Jury service is a civic duty that applies to most adults living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you receive a summons, you are legally required to attend unless you have a valid reason to be excused or can defer to a later date.

You may be called for jury service if you meet all of the following conditions: you are between 18 and 75 years old, your name appears on the electoral register, and you have been resident in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for at least five years since turning 13.

The legal framework for jury service comes from the Juries Act 1974. The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 extended the upper age limit from 70 to 75, bringing more people into the pool of potential jurors.

Certain people are not eligible to serve. This includes anyone who lacks the mental capacity to take part in a trial, people who are currently on bail, and those who have received particular criminal sentences. A custodial sentence of five years or more results in permanent disqualification. Shorter prison terms or community orders can disqualify you for a defined period, depending on the sentence.

The rules changed in 2004 to allow people in certain professions to serve who were previously exempt. Police officers, solicitors, barristers, judges, and members of the clergy can now all be summoned. Serving members of the armed forces are not automatically exempt, but may apply to be excused if their commanding officer provides a certificate stating that their absence would affect operational efficiency. Each application is assessed individually.

For the full eligibility criteria and current rules, check the official guidance on GOV.UK.

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Valid reasons for not attending

If you cannot attend on the dates stated in your summons, you have two main options: ask to defer your service to a later time, or apply to be excused altogether. Deferral requests are often considered more favourably than requests for full excusal, depending on circumstances.

Courts will consider moving your service dates if you have a reasonable explanation. Common grounds include:

A pre-booked holiday that cannot be changed or refunded
Significant work commitments, such as exams or a major project deadline
Medical appointments or ongoing treatment that would be disrupted
Caring responsibilities for a child or dependent adult
Religious observances that fall during the service period

You will usually need to provide evidence to support your request. This might be a booking confirmation, a letter from your employer, or a note from your GP. The court staff will assess each application on its own merits.

Being self-employed or running a small business is not an automatic reason to be excused, though it may support a deferral request if you can show genuine hardship. Employers cannot legally stop you from attending, and you are entitled to time off work for jury service.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What happens if you fail to attend

Ignoring a jury summons without proper reason is a criminal offence. If you simply do not turn up and have not been granted a deferral or excusal, you may face serious consequences.

The court can issue a fine for failing to attend without reasonable cause. Fines of up to £1,000 are possible, though the specific amount and any additional penalties can vary based on the situation and jurisdiction. In some cases, the court may also hold you in contempt of court, which can carry further penalties.

If you realise you cannot attend after receiving your summons, contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau as soon as possible by phone, post, or through the GOV.UK website. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of having your request granted. Leaving it until the last minute, or simply not showing up, will make things much harder to resolve.

Courts account for genuine emergencies that prevent attendance. If something unexpected occurs on the day, such as sudden illness or a family crisis, contact the court immediately. Providing an honest explanation and supporting evidence where possible will usually be taken into account.

Getting help and further information

If you are unsure whether you qualify for excusal or deferral, the Jury Central Summoning Bureau can answer questions about your specific situation. You can reply to your summons online, by post, or by phone.

The GOV.UK website has detailed guidance on jury service, including forms and instructions for requesting deferrals or excusals, information about expenses you can claim, what to expect during a trial, and how long service typically lasts. Most jury service lasts around two weeks, though some trials run longer.

Jury service can feel inconvenient, but it plays a central role in the justice system. Courts will try to accommodate genuine difficulties where they can. The key is to respond promptly and honestly to your summons rather than ignoring it.

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142 questions

Ask Courtroom Advice a Question

CourtroomAdvice Editor 03/08/2026 at 8:16 am

@TH Your best bet is to email the jury central summoning bureau at cjsobureau@justice.gov.uk with your juror number and an explanation, plus a vet letter if you can get one. They handle deferrals and excusals nationally, so the bank holiday closure at your local court doesn't matter. Also ring them first thing Tuesday on 0300 456 1024 to confirm they've received it, as the recorded line tonight won't be able to update your status. Keep a copy of everything you send in case it needs chasing.

TH 03/08/2026 at 8:16 am

I had confirmed that I an attend Jury duty when the summons arrived back in June and I am due to call this evening to see if I am required however my horse had to undergo emergency surgery last week and is being discharged this weds so I will no longer be able to attend - due to the scottish bank holiday today 3 Aug 26 the court is closed so I am unsure who I need to notify that I will no longer be available

CourtroomAdvice Editor 27/06/2026 at 6:58 pm

@Noodle If your first request to be excused was refused, you can ask for a deferral instead, which lets you postpone for up to 12 months to a date that suits your caring responsibilities better. Get a letter from your partner's GP confirming his condition and that you're his main support, and ideally something for your parents too. Send it all back to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau and explain clearly why now isn't workable. Don't just not turn up, as that can land you with a £1,000 fine. Most people who put a proper case forward with medical backing do get a deferral granted.

Noodle 27/06/2026 at 6:58 pm

I have been forced to do jury service, I replied to ne excused as my partner suffers from bad anxiety and depression and I don't want to be away for the amount of hours and i need to go to appointments with him, also my parents are partially deaf so I need to go to appointments with them as they won't know what is going on and check on them every day, i work close to home and start at 7 and finish 3.30 so my partner is asleep until 12 1 o'clock so is not on his own for long and I can get home quickly if there is a problem

CourtroomAdvice Editor 20/05/2026 at 2:46 pm

@Frosty Yes, jury service is a legal obligation, so you can't just ignore the summons. However, you can apply to be excused or to defer it for up to 12 months if attending would cause serious hardship, and being self-employed with money worries is a recognised reason. Write back to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau as soon as possible explaining your situation, and include evidence like bank statements or details of your business commitments. You can also claim loss of earnings up to a daily cap, though it likely won't match your full income. Don't just fail to turn up, as you could be fined up to £1,000.

Frosty 20/05/2026 at 11:37 am

I have been summoned to do jury duty do I have to go I am in debt and have trouble paying my bills I am also self employed..

CourtroomAdvice Editor 17/05/2026 at 1:28 pm

@Vonny What a contrast between those two stints, two weeks of tedium and then a three month murder trial. You're right that lifetime exemption usually applies after a long trial, which seems fair given the commitment involved. Worth noting the upper age limit was scrapped back in 2016, so anyone up to 75 can now be summoned, though over 70s can ask to be excused. The pay situation is a fair point too, loss of earnings allowance doesn't help if you're retired.

Vonny 22/01/2025 at 9:27 pm

I did jury service in Cardiff Crown years and years ago. I was called into court on the jury. I had 3 cases all dead boring. I was glad when the 2 weeks were over. I moved to Liverpool and within a few months was called for jury service. I tried to get out of it, saying I did the service in Cardiff, turns out you can be called a number of times. This time I was amongst the first 12 on the first day. It was a murder case, I knew nothing about the case. I was there for more than 3 months, with a break halfway through for a week. I found it a very interesting case, It was worth it for me, my husband and I went away while we were on the break. At the end we,the jury gave what turned out to be the the correct verdict - guilty. The guys went down for life. We, the jury were made exempt from being called for jury service ever again. Which is good. If I wasn't exempt and got called again now I am over 70, I wouldn't have been paid just got expenses x

Paul778883 21/02/2024 at 4:41 am

I would just ignore the letter. Bin it then if if it does hit the fan just say you never knew. Even then if they call me in I would refuse to share or afirm as I disagree with the juridical system. And the fact the I am being forced under duress to attend.

Ernie 05/12/2023 at 10:26 pm

I got a jury summons today saying ive been picked to attend a jury summon at the end of january 2024 and its not even in my town as our courts closed down so i would need to travel 30 miles to the court out of town well i suffer with insomnia and i cant sleep at night and allways get to sleep in the early hours of the morning any time from 5,00 to 8.00am every night for the last 24 years now and they expect me to be at the court for 9.00am and to travel to well its nothing going to happen i need my sleep they can do what the hell they want fined me i dont care but what these people are doing is going against my human rights and my free will i think this all sticks why dont they leave people alone some people are to ill to go and most people need to earn a living and not lose their wages if they want a jury they should advertise for people who want to do this kind of thing i'm sure there are plenty out theree that want to do it and not to pick out people at radom from the electoral roll which most people they pick wont want to go do it the government need to change this stupid law its as rubbish as they are

Corn 25/11/2023 at 5:33 pm

I got fined £5000 from failure to attend why I don’t know it doesn’t feel right and I need help massively, the whole proceeding was unprofessional to begin with and there was a spew of lies

Stacey/Nov2023 08/11/2023 at 3:52 pm

I received a summons for jury duty so immediately emailed them to tell them about all of my problems both mental and physical and told them I'd be applying for an Excusal.
I saw my GP who prepared a letter. I asked for the letter at the Dr's surgery just over a week later and they told me that it had been posted.
Why on earth did the Court just try to call me?? I know that the Dr's surgery have let me down because I did what I had to do. What else could I have done??

Paulgee 05/11/2023 at 9:06 am

I have heart failure and angina if i worry about a sitiation . Do i still have to do it

Dan 22/09/2023 at 3:02 am

I’m off to court Wednesday for failure to attend jury service as my note from doctors came 2 days late after the proposed start of my service reasons are that my anxiety would not be able to take it now they are making me come in to charge me I fear the worst will happen

Doc 12/09/2023 at 11:11 am

my English is not at that level and I don't think I will be useful, but when I told them they didn't believe me, they even raised my voice

Diandal 30/08/2023 at 10:26 am

Iv been forced to do jury duty against my freewill. So I will go against the rest of the jurers and vote opposite

Beanpole 27/08/2023 at 1:46 pm

Hello, Three years ago I received a jury summons. I ignored it and threw the letter in the bin. Absolutely nothing happened to me. People who wish to ignore a jury summons have nothing to fear.

mojo 15/07/2023 at 9:58 am

my transport coordinator has been on Jury service since May, and they keep putting the end date back. At the moment it is not due to finish until October! It is killing having to cover 2 roles for this amount of time.
His role is very specific to our company, and it takes around 3months to train someone to do it. Because it was only meant to a 4 week case, we never hired someone to cover. The court keeps changing the end date, making it impossible to know what to do. The court occasionally gives him "non sitting" days which means he can work those days, but if I hire someone, Ill be paying 2 people for those days!
It is ridicules that the time period isn't set, so the case has to be concluded in that time.
is there anything we can do to end this hell.

Harry 14/07/2023 at 8:15 am

I have no money spare for travel,how am I supposed to get to the court?

Rigger 28/06/2023 at 7:56 pm

Why press gang people to attend jury service who will face financial losses through loss of earnings and therefore will not be interested in the trial one way or the other and chances are will just go with the majority of the other jurors just to get it over with.
If everyone else connected with the trial is getting paid then so should the jury panel.

Gina! 14/06/2023 at 12:15 am

My apologies to McClennan County Courts for accidently not showing up for Jury Duty Summons! I worked twelve and a half hours on my shift on June 10, 2023 and 9:16 hours on June 11, 2023 and on June 12, I didn't hear my alarm! I was extremely fatigued.
Regina Kiriakos

Mum 17/03/2023 at 9:56 am

I have asthma am I exempt from jury service ?

T 25/01/2023 at 1:05 pm

I have deferred my jury service once already and am to due to go in 2 weeks but my Mum has died and the Funeral is during the time I am on jury service, will they excuse me?

annoyed 13/01/2023 at 11:43 am

I get anxiety and no way will I survive this jury service. Doctor won't give me the letter to avoid it. So if you've murdered 500 people I may believe you didn't do it as I won't be able to concentrate due to trying not pass out with anxiety. It's such an unfair system and should be people who want to be there as I wouldn't trust the people who are forced to be their under duress.

Joe 17/12/2022 at 3:57 pm

I was summoned for jury duty but I noticed that the letter was not recorded delivery so they can't prove I even received it so I just threw it in the bin. Unfortunately my girlfriend saw me do it and we split up a week later and now she says she is going to tell the court I did receive it after all so will I still have to go? I was thinking of making up with my girlfriend until after the court date and then dumping her again. Would that work?

Jenny 12/09/2022 at 2:07 pm

I am unable to attend Jusry duty due to automobile accident in 2016 I am suffering with Neuropathy and injuries I got are some I suffer mental issues from

Luke P. 19/08/2022 at 3:44 pm

And that is why you won't find me on any electoral register... happy hunting.

Rich 21/07/2022 at 2:02 pm

I'm self employed and it's disgusting that they only pay £66 per day, I will be losing nearly £1000 in earnings and the payments don't come close to covering that. Why should people be faced with financial hardship and possible defaults on bills to do this. The whole system needs reforming. I am going to try and get out of it as I know if I do have to sit on a case, I will be too busy worrying about the fact I won't be able to pay my mortgage that month rather than listening to the case.

Xxxx 27/06/2022 at 11:40 am

Been called up for jury duty end of Aug 22 iam not spending £10 away on petrol £10 on parking then food iam not going cannot afford it

Fearny 06/06/2022 at 8:12 pm

I have be excused from jury duty once and on the date expected I was still unable to attend called to be excused again and was told I would go down as failure to appear now I have received my third notice coming up 6/21/22 my problem I dont drive and I am unemployed are there any services that provide free or reduced rates
To and from jury duty and if so how do I go about getting this started prior to my date to avoid any fines or incarceration

N/A 17/05/2022 at 7:48 pm

There are two reasons which I can't be a juror. One is a felony and the other is my vision is very poor. I have cataracts and I have surgery next month. Also I'm going to be 71 years old on May 30. So I'm asking to be free to assist to any jurors service. Thanks.

Choochoo 11/05/2022 at 12:47 am

Let me start by saying that I'm am so sorry for missing my court date for jury duty.
I requested my time off my job for May 11th a month ago. Looking on line Monday evening there I discovered that my day for selection for jury duty was on the 9th on May which is Monday,I'm not making excuses because I should have paid more attention to the instructions.
So I understand that you have to do what you have to do.

Susie 01/05/2022 at 5:25 pm

I was supposed to go for jury duty on April 4, but I forgot the appointment due to my medication. I have a pain pump and it has morphine, bupivacaine, and clonidine in it and there are times that I mix dates and other things up. I suffer from chronic pain and I use oxygen 24 hours a day. This is why I have the pain pump. Im real sorry I missed the date of April 4, but I put it on my calendar as May 4, please excuse me from all further jury dates. Thank you Deborah CvC

Lisa 27/03/2022 at 8:04 am

Hello I was in a car accident. And all my paperwork was in my car. So I don't remember when I was supposed to go. It slipped my mind because I have a lot of things going on at this point. So I totally lost the form due to my car aacident. What should I do
Lisa

H 06/09/2021 at 10:47 pm

I've been pulled up for jury but I have a hospital appointment for that day not missing this appointment for jury no chance. Anyhow I thrown it in the bin the day after I had it so can't do much now can I

H 06/09/2021 at 10:42 pm

I received a jury service thing in the post a few months ago end of September ... Guess what I have a appointment with my hospital with my heart and my diabetes. I'm not stable enough to do this jury duty thing can't sit down for 10 mins either SORRY

Vicki 17/08/2021 at 8:13 pm

I have been summoned for jury duty 8/16/21
I have hearing loss & have mental health problems. I’m need to be excused permanently.

Luis 18/06/2021 at 10:27 pm

This is to inform you that I can’t do jury duty at this moment because I’m not an American citizen yet. Still in the process. Please remove me in your list . Thanks

Luisito Abadines
955 N . St. Andrew Pl Apt#2
Los Angeles Ca. 90038

Tweety 03/05/2021 at 12:57 am

I am a very nervous person and shake all the time

Mike 09/04/2021 at 12:46 pm

I'm 73 years old and have been under total lockdown since March 14 2020 in the Philipinnes. Philipinnes is now on the red list and cases are rising inexorably.
I was asked to do jury service last year due to the Covid virus but the same circumstances are likely to apply this year.
I would love to do my jury service but:
O I'm frightened of travelling as I'm unlikely to get a vaccine here before my next jury service call.
O Travel to/from the Philipinnes to the UK is severely restricted right now.
O I think it would be extremely unfair to expect me to return at great cost to quarantine and travel etc.

I'm more than happy to do my jury service when circumstances change.

Please advise

DK 04/02/2021 at 2:41 pm

Hello,
I have been asked to attend jury service in March. However, I am currently stuck overseas, and trying to follow international travel restrictions which is to not return to the country due to Covid. I have already been deferred once, therefore they are requesting me again. I am currently awaiting a response about my situation, but I am scared that I seem to be being asked to break international travel laws so that I don't end up breaking the law for missing jury service. Any advice would be massively welcome. Thank you.

DUNKY 13/01/2021 at 12:23 pm

I have a hospital appointment the same day as The court for a MRSA SCAN have been waiting for the SCAN since the covd 19 started N

mike 18/12/2020 at 1:43 pm

I have turned the age of 71 and believe I can dodge jury duty in scotland ( scottish law is different from england) is this true?..... alternatively I suffer from benign prostatic hyperlasia ( weak bladder) I have used this medical condition to evade jury duty over the past two years as I would have limited control over my bladder while sitting in the jury box and could easily flood the floor of the jury box while the trial is in session.

Can anybody help with a solution?

Carl W 09/12/2020 at 9:03 pm

I threw my jury citation form in the bin and never heard any more about it. I'm in Scotland where the 'expenses' for lost earnings are £64 p/day for the first 5 days. I make from £500 to £1500 p/week, so no way was I taking a £180 to £1180 hit to my pocket to act as juror to some legal/public sector pantomime.
If they had pursued me to attend, I would have booked an online GP consultation for £65, plead major anxiety, and paid another few £ for the GP letter stating that. Then claim medical exemption.

AR 04/12/2020 at 3:35 pm

Hi

I'm currently suffering from some mental health issues, I have asthma, and i have a business to run and a family to support. Being locked in a court with strangers, for 8 hours a day for X amount of time is really not good for me right now. What can i do?

When i first got the summons, i tried to defer, as my business gets very busy around Christmas - this was rejected - what can i do?

Brk 14/09/2020 at 11:34 pm

Can i be exuceed from jury service if i do not belive in the british legel system and wot ever evidance is put before me i will find that person not gulity

Bruno 06/07/2020 at 2:59 pm

I have been selected for jury service, although I am going to go back to work in the end of the month, and it will clash with my jury service.
Due to all this situation of the covid-19, I do not want to put myself in a weak position and face an unemployment situation because I can't be at my working place. Someone else will have to take my place, and I just want to postpone this. I have been trying to call them, but they never pick up the phone.
Any suggestions? As my jury service suppose to start in two weeks time.

Thank you!

Tony 19/05/2020 at 9:14 pm

I'm 71 years old and had heart surgery in January plus shingles and Menengitis I was suppose to do jury service 1st June but have been under lock down in Hamburg Germany since Covid19 started no idea how or wether I should travel, no idea if I would be quarantined for two weeks so no guarantee I could attend court on 1st. Have informed the jury service who refused my request to defer. anyone any ideas ?

MissV 16/04/2020 at 12:40 am

What i can tell, i was just love to do jury, its soo bad that you can do it only once.... People don't run away from it, just do what to do and FEEL GOOD

Andy 28/03/2020 at 2:00 am

Is there any way of proving wether or not you have done jury service ? My wife claims I did it for three days in Bournemouth around 2005 ,I have a good memory and no recollection of ever doing this ,one of is wrong and we need to know which one ?

Mattie 04/12/2019 at 8:43 am

Please looking for some advice
Recently selected for jury service and thought rather than defer it would get it over and done with.
Started Monday this week and got called with another 14 jurors to the desk to be told the defendant had pleaded guilty and we could now go home.
Yesterday got called to the desk at 11.30 to say that I would be sitting on a two day trail which after lots of hanging about did not get called to the court room till 15.00 upon entering the court room my name was not chosen so returned to the desk with the remaining two jurors who were both on the second week of service. We were all then informed that there was no need to attend jury service again and we were dismissed. I questioned this numerous times and each time told that my jury service was completed even when I informed the lady behind the desk that it was my first week she just said I would not be required any more.
My question is is this normal and what will happen if she had made a mistake
Any information would be gratefully received.

Rika 18/11/2019 at 5:52 pm

I love out of the country and have been summoned I just renewed my drivers license and showed my residence at my sister's how who visit but only a couple of weeks at the time. How do I get out of this. Will the take my drivers license away from me cause I don't live there all the time? What do I do I heard there are no excuses to get out of it and I'm in trouble if I don't show up and I'm not there to show I love off of social security and since I have n way of knowing how long I have to stay how do I get a round trip ticket. This is awful what do I do.

sophie 02/09/2019 at 6:50 am

Ever since I received my summons for court service I had been worrying so much that I have now started taking sleeping pills to try and make me sleep at night, otherwise I lay awake at night worrying. The pills are not working very well and with very little sleep at night and also with it always in my mind during the day I'm starting to feel unwell and tearful. I am 68 years old and the court case doesn't start until October. I'm a busy person and like to be in control of all I do but I am starting to forget things and it's upsetting me. I think this is all getting too much for me and start affecting my health. I really don't think I can do it. What should I do?

traceyjayne 22/08/2019 at 2:05 pm

I am unable to do jury service one day what do I do

lila 07/07/2019 at 12:47 am

Hi, I been a juror this week on the last day that i was attending this week I'have fell on the floor out the station. I managed to grt there on time and i had to speak with the judge she suggested i should go to see medicar care which i did the told me i have a sprain Dr gave me crutches and returned to court to continue with trial. the asked me to be back this week comming which Im doing as its two weeks of service. My question is what happens at the third week? jury service will be finished and have to go back to work but I can see and feel my foot getting worse if I cant walk and need the crutches and apear to work were Im a nanny of three small children what should I do. take days off as sick pay meaning my boss has to pay or do I have to claim to court as it happens on my way there? Im asking in the case that I may not be ablee to walk with out crutches or even worse force mayself to walk doing my work but if its not heal or fully recover I can get worse. Please need advice

JBrad 15/02/2019 at 3:56 pm

Just do what I done - I filled in the form asking for exemption and gave the reason that having been a victim corruption in the legal system, I could possibly subconsciously sway towards finding the accused innocent.

Vorlitum 28/09/2018 at 8:19 pm

What happens If I don't want to do it because I would loose too much money, as the expenses you can claim (under 11days) do not cover what I earn?

Pk 07/08/2018 at 8:35 pm

@Adam my wife had similar issue. She completely missed the summon and found it last night only.(letter was under the shoe cabinet) missed the date by 3 months. she pregnant as and due date is next month.

Did you sort it out with court. Or what should we do now?

Ga ga 07/06/2018 at 11:19 pm

I live and work in London, having explained to the jury admin my position, I am still required to attend. What is my position on this as the court is in Northern Ireland.

Borneo 28/03/2018 at 7:09 pm

I wouldn’t trust myself to judge, to be honest if the person in the dock was a smoker or looked dodgy I would say they were guilty!

Harry 11/02/2018 at 4:16 pm

I have no faith in the justice system. I dont want any part of it and will never pass judgement on another human being.

Adam 14/12/2017 at 8:10 pm

I was in the middle of moving house when I recieved my letter about jury duty. Ive just recently found the letter, Ive missed the date completely by 2 months. What should I do about this or is there nothing I can do?

Lmack 11/12/2017 at 8:13 pm

I have just realised my jury duty was meant to be today... who or where do I call? I called the jurors hotline n was told I don’t need to attend 2mrw.. but that doesn’t really help me about today, wishful thinking is that I wasn’t required today either but I hate this not knowing!! And advice is much appreciated

VK Editor 11/12/2017 at 12:52 pm

@Siani - hopefully the snow will have cleared. If not you would have to ring the court.

Siani 10/12/2017 at 4:09 pm

Haia im stuck in snow and got jury service tomorrow what will happen now?

Boab 08/12/2017 at 11:37 pm

I missed jury duty on Monday, how quick will the fine come through my door? I’m starting to really worry?

Lisa 28/11/2017 at 6:30 pm

I need to phone the court to see if I'm.picked for 2morrows court but if lost the no wot will I do

UBd Editor 17/11/2017 at 2:46 pm

@Robert - According to gov.uk a person can be fined up to £1,000 if they don’t return the form or turn up for their jury service.

Robert 16/11/2017 at 10:13 pm

My son forgot about his jury duty on Monday and has just realised. What is his best course of action. Is it to call in the morning (Friday) to see if he can rectify it or wait till he is contacted?

Robert 16/11/2017 at 9:51 pm

My son forgot about his kurt duty on Monday and has just realised. What is his best course of action. Is it to call in the morning (Friday) to see if he can rectify it or wait till he is contacted?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 17/10/2017 at 11:05 am

As stated in the article, you would need to call the Jury Central Summoning Bureau

Hayley 16/10/2017 at 2:03 pm

Hi I have been summoned to do jury service on the 6th November. I can't find the letter that it says I need to bring with me what shall I do?

Mr. K 27/09/2017 at 7:37 am

Hi there. My work has allowed me to attend the Jury service but without pay. The allowance will not cover my two weeks wages so the only way I can make up for the losses would be to use 6 days annual leave for Jury service duty and take £850 loan from parents. Is there anything else I can do please? Seems like taking a loan out and pay the fine is the cheaper option. I was asked to defer last year as I was a new starter to the company

CourtroomAdvice Editor 10/08/2017 at 11:02 am

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t return the form or turn up for your jury service

Jlomie 08/08/2017 at 9:19 pm

I forgot to attend my jury duty last week, what do I do now? I responded to the letter online and registered the day I got the letter in 2 months ago

Dan 25/06/2017 at 10:47 pm

Hi, ive sent my jury summons off via post (starts 31st July) but i could not send it within 7 days as i was on holiday when it arrived, do i need to inform someone of this?

Staceee 02/06/2017 at 6:37 pm

Hi i have a jury citation that i accepted to attend but 2 days ago i was taken into hospital and had an opperation and also have a 2 week sickline. Is there any way of getting a sudden excusal from court as im not fit enough to attend.

Thanks Stacey

Marie 20/02/2017 at 2:38 am

Hi there I suffer bpd borderline personality disorder also emotionally unstable and I'm so scared I have too do jury service but I feel it's gonna affect me I'm nervous already and I don't even know how too be excused or too explain how upset I get when worried please help its today

Daniel 22/01/2017 at 12:38 pm

Hi,

I requested my Jury service to be deferred as I just started working for a new company on the 3rd of January.
I sent a couple of e-mails, I spoke to a person from the Jury Summoning Bureau and also sent back the form requesting for a deferral.
I have not recieved any e-mails or letters, not even a phonecall confirming my that my request has been approved. Even the the person from the Bureau confirmed that I have a good reason to ask for another date.

alice13 16/01/2017 at 4:00 pm

Hi,

I sent my forms of last Wednesday as I have now completed my jury service and need to claim back expenses. how long should I wait to receive my refund/ will I be contacted when my forms have been received and if so how long does it usually take?

Thank you

lulu 11/01/2017 at 7:51 pm

Do they send notification by recorded delivery so there's proof you received your summons?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 19/12/2016 at 2:44 pm

I am very sorry to hear this and I'm sure the last thing you need is this added stress. I suggest writing a letter of complaint and getting your local councillor/MP on side, There is no way they JCSB will enforce this on the back of the proof of your diagnosis, there must be some oversight. I hope you manage to sort the matter out quickly.

Petros 17/12/2016 at 8:37 am

I am 70 in March 2017 and have terminal cancer, liver, lung and kidney. Two letters have been sent requesting that I be excused from Jury Service together with a supporting letter from from my hospital doctor. I am also under Palliative Care due to my age and life-limiting expectancy. I cough up blood and was told in November that I have a life expectancy of between three months and a year.
It appears that someone at the Jury Central Summoning Bureau has chosen to ignore my request to be excused by insisting that I must attend for jury service. in February 2017.

MiExpat 04/12/2016 at 8:54 pm

Living in the UK for past 8 years found out way past 7 days that I've been summoned for Jury duty. However I'm not in the country how do I go about getting excluded.

Flickers33 27/10/2016 at 12:20 pm

I have just found out I have jury service and it's on Monday. What to do next as its says must reply in 7 days of receiving the letter?? Any help much appreciated.

Helen 03/10/2016 at 5:27 pm

What happens if you are late for jury service? What is the procedure to tell the court and what are the consequences?

Lisa 02/10/2016 at 9:33 pm

I gave my employer the employer certificate which she sent to head office along with my citation accidentally and I have not recieved it back. My date for court is tomorrow and I don't know my juror number to phone the juror line to see if I have to go. What will happen if I turn up at court tomorrow without my citation as it clearly States you have to bring it with you ?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 28/09/2016 at 12:11 pm

You may be able to delay (‘defer’) jury service 'once'. If you defer you must say when you will be available for jury service over the next 12 months. Please see gov.uk whichYour employer must let you have time off work but can ask you to delay your jury service if your absence will have a serious effect on business. If you’re unreasonably refused time off for jury service, you can complain to an employment tribunal. However, if your employer asks you to delay jury service and you refuse, you may not be able to claim unfair dismissal. I hope this helps.

Sk 27/09/2016 at 12:03 pm

I have jury service in 2 weeks. It is confirmed for me to go. My boss has now turned round and said I have to defer it. I have tried to explain that I can't as it is by law but the answer I got was so you not understand defer it. I now don't know what to do, any advice. Thanks.

Ste 14/09/2016 at 8:56 pm

I was called for jury service and as you are not given an option,but to attend or you may be fined or imprisoned. Well I like to be asked not told to do something. Especially not by a corrupt legal system.Duty or not. Anyone not wanting to attend write reason for not attending (insufficient understanding).worked for me. Never heard from them again. Ste

CourtroomAdvice Editor 12/09/2016 at 12:57 pm

You will need to contact the courts directly, as you could face a fine.

Box 12/09/2016 at 12:09 am

I was meant to attend jury duty on the 7th but forgot to attend as i thought i didnt have to go until the 17th, what should i do?

della 08/09/2016 at 3:15 pm

I received a jury Summons to my old address back in March for May this year the new occupation didnt forward the letter on to me but opened it and sent a picture of it on face book that I received today to be told she had thrown it away as I didn't reply back to her on the day she sent the message what will happen now

D 25/08/2016 at 9:48 pm

Ive been cited for Durty Juty. And i phoned up The jurors Helpline number. I think ive got it wrong. They said on the Helpline number that certain number had to attend..and i think ive got it wrong and maybe had to attend Court. I am worried sick i get arrested. What do i do? Advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

L25 19/08/2016 at 7:32 pm

I'm a little bit confused. I've been summonsed to attend my first day of jury duty on Monday 22nd August. Got a letter from the court with my ID number and told to ring up after 4.30pm today. I rang and my ID was not read out however it only mentioned people needing to attend for 10am. My summons letter says that I should attend oat 9am.
Does this mean that I am not needed and my first day of jury duty could be Tuesday or another day? Or does this mean that as it is my first day I should attend at 9am anyway? I don't want to fail to attend but I also don't want to go there unnecessarily.

DBB 06/08/2016 at 10:56 pm

I received jury summons last year but asked for a defferal, which they granted for I year later. Now I would have expected a reminder, but I didnt get one. I have now got a letter stating that I didn't attend jury service at the start of this week. Also I am a diabetic and have been beset with severe medical problems this year requiring hospitalisation for a week. My medical problem is still ongoing and I believe it would make me unsuitable for jury service. The HM Courts and Tribunal Service requires an answer as to why I didn't attend. In all honesty I forgot, but if they had sent me a reminder I would have advised them of my medical condition. What options do I have now?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 27/07/2016 at 3:00 pm

You would have to contact the Central Jury Summoning Bureau directly to find this out.

Ash 23/07/2016 at 8:53 pm

I'm a uni student and was supposed to have my resit exams ago 2 weeks but I fell ill during that period and applied for mitigation with my uni and this was approved only yesterday. Uni said I can only do these resits this coming week. This is also the same week as my jury service. I is there any way to defer my jury services at such short notice

loxxxx 20/07/2016 at 5:50 pm

Hi, the jurors helpline hasn't been updated for tomorrow. I have no idea if I'm meant to be back in tomorrow. The court is now shut. What am i meant to do?

Samm 16/07/2016 at 1:47 pm

Today is Saturday and the Crown Court is closed until Monday. I have Jury Service on Monday and i cannot go due to t being too late to get out of work. I only received my letter today as it was posted to my mothers Address instead of my own. My mother never opens my mail she just tosses it to one side until i visit and pick it up, its generally the regular rubbish.
As the phones are closed until Monday morning is there anything i can do or should i just ring first thing Monday morning?
Thanks, Samm.

Neil 13/07/2016 at 3:01 pm

I have recently become a father (yesterday) and started my paternity leave. I've tried contacting the crown court to see if I can be deferred although the numbers ring out and don't have an option to leave a message. What shall I do?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 09/06/2016 at 2:14 pm

You need to let the courts know via the contact details on your paperwork, as you can be fined if you don't turn up for jury service without letting anyone know.

BOZO 08/06/2016 at 10:27 pm

I have done a weeks jury service and my son has now fallen ill so I have to stay at home with him as he is throwing up and cannot go to school - what should I do?

Keke 17/05/2016 at 5:25 pm

What if I was summoned for Jury Duty but it was sent to a previous address of mine, so therefore I never received notification of it. Would I be fined and put in jail for not knowing?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 28/04/2016 at 10:24 am

If you are concerned at all, you should speak with the court officer directly. You may just have to take extra precautions ( in the form or sanitaryware) to ensure you are not disadvantaged. You are only allowed to defer once and I don't think a heavy period could be justified as a good enough reason.

green tea 27/04/2016 at 12:18 am

I am getting anxious, as my period is due to fall the same time as my jury service. Do you have the freedom to use the toilets whenever you need to, even during the sitting, as I bleed heavily. If not, can my doctor give me proof, so I can defer. I have already deferred once, as I was in hospital first time. Thanks??

Wolrab 17/04/2016 at 8:10 pm

My wife has been called up for duty service. She has defferred once. She suffered from anxiety and has had counselling and prescription drugs in the past to cope. The pending dury service is bringing her anxiety back. Would she be excused? We also have young children that we will struggle to get card for as I run my own business and work away. This is all adding to anxieties. Thank you

CourtroomAdvice Editor 11/04/2016 at 12:52 pm

There are some situations when you can’t be on a jury, eg if you’ve been in prison in the last 10 years. However, you should have let the Jury Summoning Bureau know and if you don't turn up to jury service then you can be imposed with a fine up to £1,000.

Demon bizzle 10/04/2016 at 6:18 pm

I have not gone to my jury duty but have served time in prison 8and I never replied in letter just didn't turn up what will happen

WorriedFella 09/04/2016 at 4:31 pm

I've been attending Jury Service for 3 days and everyday I just sit there and wait but never go in a trial. So I decided to miss 2 days of jury service since Im never called for a trial. So in a Saturday police went to my house looking for me while i was at work. What now. What will happen.

Jan 29/03/2016 at 7:55 pm

Is anybody having trouble contacting the jury summoning team as I had so many mailer demons and they keep telling me the same email.

CourtroomAdvice Editor 15/03/2016 at 2:32 pm

Officially, you can only defer jury service once. For further advice you would need to call the Jury Central Summoning Bureau.

Alun W 14/03/2016 at 6:43 pm

Query on behalf of my Wife please? She was summoned for Jury duty last July but postponed it as I was in Hospital having a Major op, it's now been rescheduled for April 25th, but my Daughter is booked into Hospital on the 26th for a Cesarean and although my daughter is married and her husband will be around, my wife wants to be available as when my daughter gave birth 2 years ago, she had a major issue ending up in intensive care for a week (all OK in the end for her and baby) but wondered if these circumstances would be something that the Court would consider postponing again please? Would welcome any advice please? Thank you

CourtroomAdvice Editor 24/02/2016 at 10:48 am

You wuold need to call the Jury Central Summoning Bureau giving details about your language barrier. The court tries to be as inclusive as possible, but it is worth checking first.

Bella 23/02/2016 at 11:01 am

I am a foreigner and my language skills are not so well, what is a chance that I will be selected for the continuation of my jury duty when I show up on my first day?

cat 16/02/2016 at 12:33 pm

I've been called up for jury service but I'm a stay at home mum to 2 children under 3, my partner can't take time off. It will fall when my 7 year old if off school as well. Do I still have to do it ?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 15/02/2016 at 10:10 am

If your jury service had been confirmed, then you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't turn up for jury service.

Granty 14/02/2016 at 12:15 am

Just been goin through some paper work and came across my jury service letter which I totally forgot about and was ment to attend court last month, what will happen??

CourtroomAdvice Editor 10/12/2015 at 2:17 pm

You would need to contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau directly regarding this.

G1956 10/12/2015 at 7:36 am

I am on Jury service but not in a casre currently. I have been offered a job interview on Monday 14th Dec at 2pm.

The Jury Baliff has said I must attend court

Is he right and I have to lose a chance of empolyment. I have been unemployed for 6 months.

Tiffany 24/10/2015 at 2:06 pm

I am self employed and I have deferred my jury service but I rang the office yesterday I told that you have either write a letter explaining why I can't do it I can't leave my business as its my earnings I have been offered a massive contract next do racing I can't turn this down why can't law students do jury service instead of people that can't give up there jobs and business.

love62 23/10/2015 at 11:59 am

i was advised because of my illness and disabilities not to travel long distances i was awarded esa and pip and i am confined to bed somedays because these flare up i have mental health problems i wouldnt last in court pity they dont consult relevant departments to assess peoples fitness for jury service they want me to go to liverpool but a question i was asked last year at pip medical could i go to liverpool on my own the answer was no and i would need people with me because i am that ill not just waiting with me but in the court as well

LOVE62 23/10/2015 at 11:36 am

I HAVE BEEN ILL ALL MY LIFE I HAD TO FINISH WORK 2 YEARS AGO BECAUSE OF MY ILLNESS AND DISABILITY IM LIMITED TO DISTANCES I CAN TRAVEL I CANNOT TRAVEL 12 MILES TO JURY SERVICE I WAS AWARDED PIP BECAUSDE OF THIS IS IT NOT POSSIBLE TO DO JURY SERVICE IN MY HOMETOWN

Amario 12/10/2015 at 7:01 pm

Hi, basically i couldnt attend jury service due to my current job/12hour night shifts/1hours travelling to and fro work. I explained to the lady but she was having none of it. I also explained that i have previously done jury service.

I have just researched and am now worried with what will be happening next - i.e. being fined. I never realised the ramifications. Is there anything i can do the rectify this? Like offering to do jury service next time? Its not like i just didnt show up - i did explain to the lady twice.

Can anyone give me any advice?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 29/09/2015 at 2:15 pm

I'm afraid I can't help you with an answer to this, you will have to call the Jury Central Summoning Bureau directly.

Jj 28/09/2015 at 2:59 pm

I've been called for jury duty but no longer live in the relevant area, have already deferred once, told I still need to go, but it will take me 4 hours a day travel total.

Juryman 31/08/2015 at 10:06 am

Hi I have been referred to some point in January 2016 I'm hoping it's the 12th because I have booked a holiday for the 5 th of feb can I change the date for a week earlier ?? And how can I check my dates ?? Thanks .

CourtroomAdvice Editor 27/08/2015 at 10:49 am

. As specified in the article, you need to respond to the letter you were sent about your jury service from the Jury Central Summoning Bureau giving details about why you can’t be a member of a jury. If you live in Northern Ireland, you need to contact the Jury Management Team on 028 7126 1329. And in Scotland you can contact civil jurors court of session on: 0131 240 6772 or for criminal jurors at the high court of justiciary on: 0131 240 6907. You should receive a response about your request for jury deferment within 10 days.

KT 26/08/2015 at 11:02 am

I have jury service coming up, but I no longer live in the country and informed my local council. It was a rather quick move and wasnt quite as planned. I've email but have no reply what should I do?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 19/08/2015 at 10:50 am

You should definitely turn up at court if you have missed a day, and sort it out from there, which I assume you have by now.

Joe 18/08/2015 at 12:33 pm

I was cited for jury duty and due to things in my personal life - including starting a new job on Sunday with a 12 hour shift, finishing at 6.30 on Monday morning - I forgot to hand in my form, as well as forgetting entirely that I was to attend that day. This means that I missed the first date of the case, which was yesterday (Monday, as stated), or 17/08/2015.

Upon calling 01414185210, I was directed towards the number for the jurors' attenance update line, 0800269317. All this does is confirm that I should've attended yesterday, it doesn't let me explain my circumstances.

I know that a fine is inevitable, but how do I proceed? Do I simply take my citation to court today and explain myself, or is there a number that can be contacted?

Ismet 07/08/2015 at 4:10 pm

WOW....
I always thought it would be interested to be part of jury. The amount of money you are able to claim it just feels like you are being punished to take part. It should be a little attractive for people to take part in jury as this is an important thing people can experience in life whether is good or bad....

CourtroomAdvice Editor 05/08/2015 at 11:19 am

@Sam - your friend would have to contact the Jury Central Summoning Bureau directly, the contact information can be found in the article.

Sam 02/08/2015 at 3:25 pm

Hi, a friend has been called for jury service but he doesn't live at his registered address. His daughter lives at the registered address but he lives in another part of the country during the summer and in Spain during the winter. Can he ask to be removed from the list?

Thanks

Sam

CourtroomAdvice Editor 30/03/2015 at 1:50 pm

@a - No, I'm afraid you can't volunteer. People are called for jury service because the Jury Central Summoning Bureau (JCSB) randomly chooses names from the electoral register of everyone eligible for jury service.

a 27/03/2015 at 9:34 pm

Can a person volunteer for jury duty?

CourtroomAdvice Editor 03/02/2015 at 10:11 am

@mazz - You can apply to be excused because of ill-health or physical disability. However, you must include a medical certificate provided by your GP with your application. Details of how to make an application for deferral or excusal is contained in the information sent out in your jury summons. I hope this helps.

mazz 31/01/2015 at 4:59 pm

A recently been called for jury duty but a suffered for depression about 5 years ago a seen my doctor and prescribed me with antidepressants but since a have received my jury summons a haven't been sleeping or eating and staying up constantly think about this and a can feel my self slipping into a depressed state again how do a go about this matter will a have to see my doctor again and explain this to him/her and get a letter and send it back to the jury summons address... Any help in this matter would be appreciated

trace 28/10/2014 at 5:30 pm

i've been summoned for Jury Service. I am self employed and have deferred it once already. I simply can't afford to take the time off, especially when the compensation is so much lower. Can I defer or be excused permanently? What would happen if I didn't turn up, but went to work instead? Many thanks.

Jackie 14/06/2014 at 9:18 am

I am leaving my husband and going abroad to my sister and cannot do jury service will I be excused

nickoila 31/08/2013 at 2:01 pm

I've been summoned for Jury Service. I am self employed and have deferred it once already. I simply can't afford to take the time off, especially when the compensation is so much lower.
Can I defer or be excused permanently? What would happen if I didn't turn up, bt went to work instead?
Many thanks.

VAWER 22/11/2011 at 3:44 pm

i find it difficult to reconcile the info with my plan to spend 3 months abroad, since I do not expect anyone to open all my mail during my absence.there appears to be a number to call for ni/scotland and "criminal" jurors but not ordinary citizens of england.

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