You got a jury summons in the mail. Now what? For a lot of people, that envelope brings instant anxiety. But knowing the rules can make the whole thing a lot less stressful.
This guide breaks down Arizona’s jury duty laws in plain English. You’ll learn who has to serve, what your employer can and can’t do, how much you get paid, and what happens if you skip it.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is your legal obligation to show up when a court asks you to help decide a case. It is not optional. It is not a suggestion.
The U.S. and Arizona Constitutions both guarantee the right to a trial by jury. That system only works when real people show up. So Arizona law requires eligible citizens to participate.
Pretty straightforward, right?
Who Gets Selected for Jury Duty?
Arizona courts pull names from two main sources. The first is voter registration records. The second is driver’s license and state ID records from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
A computer randomly selects names from those lists. So if you are registered to vote or have an Arizona driver’s license, you are in the pool.
Wondering if this applies to you? If you live in Arizona and you’re a U.S. citizen, there is a good chance it does.
Basic Qualifications to Serve
Not everyone is eligible. To serve as a juror in Arizona, you must meet a few basic requirements.
You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be at least 18 years old. You must have enough knowledge of English to follow the trial. And you must not have a felony conviction unless your civil rights have been restored.
That’s basically it. You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge. The court will explain everything you need to know.
Who Can Be Excused
Okay, this one’s important. Arizona law has gotten stricter about who can be excused. Fewer excuses are accepted today than in the past. You also need more documentation to back up your request.
Certain groups can ask to be excused under Arizona law. People over age 75 may opt out of jury service. Active peace officers certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board can be excused. Active military members serving outside the county may also qualify.
Hold on, here is where it gets more specific. You may also be excused if you have a serious physical or mental condition. You will need a signed note from your doctor stating you are unfit to serve. A full-time caregiver for a dependent family member may also have a case, with documentation.
Extreme financial hardship is another possible excuse. But you need to show proof. The court wants to see actual income and expense documentation. Just saying it is hard is not enough anymore.
Can You Postpone Instead?
Most people do not need to be fully excused. You can simply reschedule.
Arizona allows you to change your report date. You can typically pick a new date within 90 days of your original summons. Most courts allow this to be done online. You can request a postponement up to two times.
This is honestly the option most people should use. Life gets busy. A postponement is simple and it protects you legally.
How Long Do You Have to Serve?
Most people finish their jury service in one to three days. That is the typical experience for someone who shows up, goes through the selection process, and is not chosen for a trial.
If you are selected for a trial, the length depends on the case. Some trials last a few hours. Others can go on for weeks or even months.
Arizona law also says you cannot be called to serve more than once every two years. If you serve and the trial reaches a verdict, you are exempt from another summons for at least two years.
Your Rights as an Employee
This is probably the most important section for working adults. So stay with me here.
Arizona law protects your job when you serve on jury duty. Your employer cannot fire you for going. They cannot threaten you, cut your pay unfairly, reduce your seniority, or penalize you in any way. This is spelled out clearly in Arizona Revised Statutes Section 21-236.
There is one thing you must do. You need to give your employer reasonable notice before you miss work. Show them your summons as soon as you receive it. Keep them updated if you end up being selected for a trial.
Your employer also cannot ask you to use your sick days or vacation time to cover your absence. That is not allowed under Arizona law. Your time off for jury duty must stay separate from your earned leave.
Does Your Employer Have to Pay You?
Here is where a lot of people get surprised. Arizona does not require employers to pay you while you serve on jury duty. Many people assume they will keep getting their regular paycheck. That is not always the case.
Some employers do pay employees during jury service. That depends on your company’s policy. It is worth checking your employee handbook or asking your HR department before your service date.
There is one exception to know about. If you are a salaried, exempt employee, federal law may require your employer to pay you for any week where you worked at least some hours. Missing a few days for jury duty in the middle of a workweek does not mean they can dock your salary for that week.
If your employer fired you or punished you for serving, you may need to contact an employment attorney. That is a violation of Arizona law, and it’s taken seriously.
How Much Does Arizona Pay Jurors?
The state of Arizona does pay jurors a small daily fee. If you are selected to serve on a trial, you receive $12.00 per day. You also receive a mileage reimbursement. Arizona currently pays 44.5 cents per mile based on your zip code.
If you are sent home after the first day without being selected, you only receive the mileage payment. No daily fee is added.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. For longer trials, Arizona created the Arizona Lengthy Trial Fund. This program helps replace lost wages for jurors who serve on trials lasting at least six days. You may qualify for up to $300 per day starting on the fourth day of service if you are losing income.
Less than a full salary, but more than nothing. It helps.
Penalties for Skipping Jury Duty
Many people assume they can just ignore a jury summons. They find out the hard way. Do not be one of them.
If you fail to show up without a valid excuse, the court can fine you up to $500 under Arizona law. That is for a state court summons.
The consequences can get worse. If you ignore a second summons, the court may issue a body attachment. Think of it like an arrest warrant. A judge can order you to appear in court to explain your absence.
If your summons was for federal court, the penalties are even stricter. Federal law allows fines up to $1,000, three days in jail, community service, or some combination of all three.
It is not worth the risk. If you have a valid reason to skip or reschedule, handle it through the proper channels. A quick call or online request is all it takes.
What Happens If an Employer Breaks the Rules?
You are not alone in this process. The law has your back.
If your employer fires you, demotes you, or discriminates against you for serving on jury duty, they are committing a crime in Arizona. Employers who violate this law can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. That comes with fines up to $2,500.
If this happens to you, contact the jury office of the court that summoned you. They can help protect your rights.
What to Do When You Get a Summons
Getting a summons is not complicated. Here is what you need to do.
Read the entire summons front and back. Complete any required questionnaires, which are often available online. Notify your employer right away and show them the summons. If you need to postpone, do it before your scheduled date. If you qualify for an excuse, gather your documentation and submit it early.
When you go to the courthouse, bring your summons with you. Dress in business casual. Shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops are not appropriate, and you could be sent home without pay if you show up dressed that way.
You’re gonna want to bring something to read or do while you wait. There is often a lot of sitting around. A book, some headphones, or study materials all work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired for serving on jury duty in Arizona?
No. Arizona law prohibits employers from firing, threatening, or penalizing employees for serving on a jury. Violations are a criminal offense.
Do I get paid by my employer during jury duty?
Not necessarily. Arizona does not require employers to pay you during jury service. Check your company’s policy. Salaried employees may have additional protections under federal law.
How often can I be called for jury duty in Arizona?
You cannot be required to serve more than once every two years. If you served and a verdict was reached, you are protected from another summons for at least two years.
What if I truly cannot afford to serve because of lost wages?
Arizona has a Financial Hardship Program. If you serve on a long trial of six or more days, you may qualify for up to $300 per day in replacement income starting on day four.
What happens if I just ignore my jury summons?
You could be fined up to $500 by the state court. For federal summonses, you could face fines up to $1,000, jail time, or community service. Courts can also issue a body attachment, which works like an arrest warrant.
Final Thoughts
Jury duty is not something you can dodge without consequences. But it is also not something to panic about. Arizona’s laws are clear. You have real rights. Your job is protected. And the process is usually shorter than most people expect.
Now you know the basics. If you get a summons, respond promptly, talk to your employer, and handle any postponement or excuse requests through the proper channels. When in doubt, check the Arizona courts website or talk to a local attorney.
References
- Arizona Revised Statutes Title 21, Juries – Official Arizona state jury statutes
- Arizona Revised Statutes Section 21-236, Employment Rights – Employee protections during jury service
- Arizona Courts Jury Duty Information – Official Arizona court jury service guide
- U.S. District Court of Arizona, Jury FAQs – Federal jury duty rules and penalties
- Pima County Superior Court Jury FAQ – County-level juror guidance and excuses
