Called for jury duty in Texas? Skipping it could cost you. Here are qualifying reasons to miss

Sooner or later, most Americans are called for jury duty.

While jury duty is a civic responsibility, a 2023 study from The National Judicial College found that an increasing number of people are ignoring jury summons. The study pointed to out-of-date mailing lists, declining respect for government and the perceived lack of consequences for the uptick.

Skipping jury duty may seem like a minor thing in Texas, but it could cost you. Here’s what to know about the guidelines and rules:

What happens if you skip jury duty in Texas?

Failing to answer a jury summons could cost you up to $1,000. Texas Government Code section 62.0141 states the following:

“In addition to any criminal penalty prescribed by law, a person summoned for jury service who does not comply with the summons as required by law or who knowingly provides false information in a request for an exemption or to be excused from jury service is subject to a contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000,” state law reads.

This means that failing to answer a jury summons in Texas is punishable by a fine between $100 to $1,000.

Are there ways out of jury duty?

Yes, there’s a few.

Texas Government Code section 62.106 states the following ways Texans can be exempt from jury duty:

• Are over 75 years of age.
• Have legal custody of a child younger than 12 years of age and your service on the jury requires leaving the child without adequate supervision.
• Are a student of a public or private secondary school.
• Are enrolled and attend a college or university.
• Are an officer of an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department in the legislative branch of state government.
• Have been summoned for service in a county with a population of at least 200,000 and have served as a petit juror in the county during the two year period preceding the date you are to appear for jury service.
• Are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves.
• Are a member of the United States military and are serving on active duty away from your home station and county of residence.

This story was originally published October 3, 2024 at 1:01 PM.

Brayden Garcia

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Brayden Garcia is a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Brayden mainly writes about weather and all things Taylor Sheridan-related.