What Is the Penalty for Missing Jury Duty in Washington?

The penalty for missing jury duty in Washington is a misdemeanor charge under RCW 2.36.170, which can carry up to 90 days in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 2.36.170 – Failure of Juror to Appear—Penalty2Washington State Legislature. RCW 9A.20.021 – Maximum Sentences for Crimes Committed July 1, 1984 In practice, most courts don’t go straight to charges for a first-time no-show. They send a follow-up notice and give you a chance to explain.

What the Statute Actually Says

RCW 2.36.170 states that a person summoned for jury service who intentionally fails to appear “shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”1Washington State Legislature. Washington Code 2.36.170 – Failure of Juror to Appear—Penalty Washington’s general misdemeanor sentencing cap sets the maximum exposure at 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.2Washington State Legislature. RCW 9A.20.021 – Maximum Sentences for Crimes Committed July 1, 1984

The word “intentionally” carries weight. Forgetting about a summons that got buried in mail is legally different from deliberately ignoring one. That distinction gets harder to rely on the longer you stay silent after the service date.

What Usually Happens After a No-Show

A jury summons is a court order, so missing it can also be treated as contempt of court on top of the misdemeanor exposure. Judges rarely jump to that for a single missed date. The typical sequence looks like this:

  • The court sends a follow-up notice asking why you didn’t appear.
  • You may be ordered to a hearing to explain in person.
  • If you ignore that too, the court can issue a bench warrant compelling you to appear before a judge.

Each step you skip narrows the court’s willingness to see your absence as unintentional. Silence is what pushes a case from “reschedule this juror” into charges or a warrant.

If You Already Missed Your Date

Call the court as soon as possible. The phone number and address are on your summons, and most courts also list an online portal in the summons paperwork. Explain honestly what happened. Courts handle missed summonses constantly, and a juror who calls promptly and takes responsibility is in a very different position from one who ignores repeated notices.

For a first-time no-show where you reach out quickly, the usual outcome is that the court reschedules your service rather than pursuing charges. Because the statute targets people who “intentionally” fail to appear, showing that you take the obligation seriously undercuts the argument that you deliberately blew it off. What you should not do is assume the court won’t notice. Courts track who reports and who doesn’t.

How to Avoid the Penalty Before Your Service Date

If you know ahead of time that you can’t serve, Washington law gives you ways to be excused or rescheduled under RCW 2.36.100.3Washington State Legislature. RCW 2.36.100 – Excuse From Service—Reasons—Assignment to Another Jury Term The point is to make the request before the date, not after you’ve already failed to appear.

  • You are 80 or older and want to be permanently excused.
  • A mental or physical condition prevents you from serving. The judge may ask for confirmation from a doctor or other health care provider.
  • You are the primary caregiver for a child or other dependent who needs your personal care and attention.
  • You’ve served on a jury within the past 12 months. A written request certifying when you last served qualifies you for excusal. Prior service in superior court, limited jurisdiction courts, federal district court, or a jury of inquest all count.
  • Serving would cause undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or conflict with public necessity. The court decides case by case.

If the court grants excusal for a particular term, it can reassign you to a different jury term within the same 12-month period. An excuse from one date isn’t necessarily a release from service altogether.

Fear of Losing Your Job Isn’t a Valid Reason to Skip

Some people miss jury duty because they’re worried about work. Washington law closes that door. RCW 2.36.165 prohibits employers from firing or harassing an employee who has been summoned for jury service. An employer who intentionally violates that protection can be charged with a misdemeanor, and the affected employee can sue for damages and reinstatement.4Washington State Courts. Jury Duty – Employer Information

Washington law does not require employers to pay you during jury service, though many do voluntarily. If your employer threatens or retaliates against you, that’s a legal problem for the employer. It isn’t a defense to skipping your own obligation.