Connor Nash | October 7, 2025 | Personal Injury
Jury duty is a civic duty that supports the Texas justice system. In Texas, receiving a jury summons is not a suggestion or invitation to come to court. It is a legal order to do so. Many people are tempted to ignore the summons, but failing to appear can have serious consequences.
Here is what you should know about what happens if you miss jury duty in Texas.
What Is Jury Duty in Texas?
Texas depends on jurors to ensure that trials remain fair. It is one way citizens participate in the justice system.
Each county creates its jury pool from three main sources:
- Voter registration rolls
- Driver’s license records
- State identification records
If your name is selected, the court will send you a jury summons with the date, time, and location for your appearance. This summons is a formal court order; ignoring it is a violation of Texas law. Every recipient must respond, even if they are not ultimately selected to serve on a jury, and attendance is mandatory unless the court grants an exemption.
What Are the Potential Consequences for Missing Jury Duty in Texas?
Failing to appear for jury duty in Texas can result in consequences. The penalties vary by county and the reasons for your absence, but the law gives courts broad power to enforce compliance.
Potential consequences include:
- Fines: The court may fine you between $100 and $1,000 under Texas Government Code § 62.0141.
- Court orders: Judges can issue a “show cause order,” which requires you to appear on a later date and explain your absence. A weak or incomplete explanation can result in a higher penalty.
- Contempt of court: Ignoring a jury summons may be treated as contempt of court, which means the judge views your actions as disobeying a direct order. Possible outcomes include fines, mandatory court appearances, or even imprisonment in serious or repeat cases.
The Texas Constitution gives courts wide authority to enforce orders. That means ignoring a jury summons may seem minor at first, but it can lead to serious consequences if left unaddressed.
What if I Accidentally Miss Jury Duty in Texas?
Sometimes, people miss jury duty due to mistakes rather than intentional avoidance. Maybe the summons was misplaced, you wrote the wrong date on your calendar, or you had an emergency.
The best step if this happens is to contact the court immediately. Reaching out quickly and explaining the situation can often prevent other penalties. Judges typically show more leniency when someone takes responsibility and acts in good faith rather than ignoring the summons altogether. In some cases, the court may simply reschedule your jury service.
Are There Valid Reasons to Miss Jury Duty in Texas?
Not everyone who receives a jury summons in Texas will be able to serve. The courts recognize these realities and allow for certain exemptions that excuse people from service, but you must notify the court before your scheduled appearance. Courts do not automatically excuse jurors, even if they appear to qualify on paper.
Texas recognizes several valid exemptions from jury duty, including:
- Being over the age of 75
- Having custody of a child under 12 with no available childcare
- Being enrolled as a student in a public or private secondary school or institution of higher education
- Being the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves
Providing documentation or a written request can also reduce the chance of being penalized.
Contact Our Dallas Personal Injury Attorneys at Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Jury duty in Texas is not just a civic responsibility. It is a legal requirement. Failing to respond to a jury summons can result in fines, court orders, and even contempt charges. However, Texas courts provide exemptions and are often willing to work with citizens who communicate honestly about their circumstances.
If you receive a summons, the safest course of action is to respond promptly and request an exemption if you qualify. If you need legal help, call Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Dallas personal injury attorneys.
Our practice areas include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and more.
Contact us today at (214) 831-4414 or visit our Austin law office for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury lawyer.
Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers Dallas
2807 Allen St., Suite 2033, Dallas, TX 75204
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