Most people toss their jury summons aside and hope it goes away. It doesn’t. In Indiana, ignoring a jury summons is illegal. The consequences can surprise you.
Whether you just got a summons or you’re simply curious, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll keep it simple, clear, and honest.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is your legal obligation to show up and potentially serve on a jury when the court calls you. A jury is a group of everyday citizens who listen to a case and decide the outcome. It’s basically the backbone of the American justice system.
Indiana’s state constitution protects the right to a jury trial. Article 1 of that constitution says every criminal defendant has the right to a public trial by an impartial jury. That jury has to come from somewhere. That somewhere is you and your neighbors.
Honestly, this is one of the few times regular people get a direct say in how justice works. Pretty important, right?
Who Has to Serve? Basic Eligibility Rules
Wondering if this applies to you? Here’s the deal.
To be eligible for jury duty in Indiana, you must meet all of the following requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be at least 18 years old. You must live in the county where you are summoned to serve. You also need to be able to read, speak, and understand English well enough to complete a juror form.
Pretty straightforward so far.
Now, here’s who gets automatically disqualified. If you have a guardian appointed for you due to mental incapacity, you cannot serve. If you have a felony conviction and your voting rights have not been restored, you are also disqualified. People with physical or mental disabilities that prevent satisfactory service may be excused as well. A doctor’s note is usually required to confirm a medical disqualification.
One more thing: law enforcement officers cannot serve on a jury in a criminal case. That makes sense, right?
How Are Jurors Selected in Indiana?
Stay with me here, because this part is actually interesting.
The court pulls names from two main lists: voter registration records and driver’s license records. Names are chosen randomly. The jury administrator compiles this pool at least once a year, starting in January of each calendar year.
Once your name is drawn, you get a summons in the mail. That summons is not optional. You’re legally required to respond to it.
After receiving your summons, you will typically fill out a juror qualification form. If you qualify, you may be called in for jury selection. Jury selection is called “voir dire.” During this process, attorneys and a judge ask potential jurors questions. They’re trying to figure out if you can be fair and impartial. If you are selected, you serve on the jury for the duration of the trial. If you are not selected, you’re done for the day and your obligation is complete.
How Long Does Jury Service Last?
Most people assume jury duty takes weeks. That’s not usually the case.
Indiana follows a “one day or one trial” rule. This means you serve for one day unless you are selected for a specific trial. If you go in and aren’t chosen for a jury, you go home. Your duty is done.
Even if you are selected, many trials in Indiana last only one to three days. Long trials happen, especially in complex felony cases. But they’re much less common than people think.
Also, once you have served on a jury in a county, you cannot be required to serve again in that same county for at least 365 days after the verdict. So even if the process feels inconvenient, it’s not something you deal with constantly.
Can You Postpone or Get Out of Jury Duty?
Okay, this is the part most people really want to know.
Yes, you can request a deferral. A deferral is a temporary postponement. It is not a permanent excuse. Indiana law allows you to defer your service one time if you can show hardship, extreme inconvenience, or necessity.
To get a deferral, you must contact the court’s jury administrator before your service date. You’ll need to propose a new date within the next year. Courts often allow this to happen by phone, email, or in writing. You don’t always have to show up in person.
There are also some permanent exemptions. If you are 75 years of age or older, you can be permanently excused just by notifying the jury administrator. That’s it. No paperwork needed beyond a simple notification.
Medical excuses are another option. If a physical or mental disability prevents you from serving, you can request an exemption. You’ll typically need a signed note from your doctor confirming the condition.
Childcare can also be grounds for excusal. If serving on a jury would seriously disrupt your childcare arrangements and no other options exist, the court may consider excusing you.
Confused about the difference between a deferral and an exemption? Here’s the quick version. A deferral just moves your date. An exemption removes you from the pool entirely, at least for now.
What Happens If You Skip Jury Duty?
Hold on, this part is important.
Ignoring a jury summons in Indiana is not a minor thing. If you fail to appear without a valid excuse, you can be found in criminal contempt of court. That’s a real legal charge.
The penalties for missing jury duty in Indiana include a fine of up to $100, up to three days in jail, or both. Some sources also reference federal contempt rules that can push fines as high as $500 or $1,000 for repeat offenses or serious non-compliance.
I looked this up carefully. The rules surprised me a little. A lot of people assume nothing happens if they ignore the summons. That’s wrong.
Here’s something important: courts usually focus on getting you back into compliance before going straight to punishment. If you missed your date, contact the court immediately. Explain what happened. Courts deal with this more than you might think.
There is one more penalty worth knowing. If you lie on your juror qualification form, that is a Class C misdemeanor in Indiana. Misrepresenting facts to get out of jury duty can result in criminal charges. Don’t do it.
Jury Duty Pay in Indiana
Let’s be real: the pay is not great. But you do get compensated.
Indiana pays jurors $15 for each day you show up for jury selection. Once you are officially chosen and sworn in as a juror, your daily rate goes up to $40 per day of service. You also receive mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the courthouse.
The mileage rate is currently around $0.49 to $0.67 per mile, depending on the source and the county. Some counties may offer additional pay above the state minimum through local ordinances.
Think of it like a small stipend, not a paycheck. It helps cover costs, but it’s not meant to replace your regular wages.
Your Employment Rights During Jury Duty
This is the part that trips people up all the time.
In Indiana, your employer must allow you to take time off for jury duty. Period. They cannot fire you, threaten you, reduce your hours, or punish you in any way because you received a summons or served on a jury. This protection is written into Indiana law.
However, Indiana does not require employers to pay you your regular wages while you’re serving. Most employers in Indiana are not legally required to keep paying you. That said, many employers do pay voluntarily, so check your company handbook or ask HR.
Here’s one more thing your employer cannot do: they cannot force you to use your vacation time, sick days, or PTO to cover your jury service. That’s prohibited under Indiana law.
If your employer retaliates against you for serving on a jury, they’ve committed a Class B misdemeanor. That means they could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. They could also be required to reinstate your position and pay your lost wages and legal fees.
Not sure if your employer crossed a line? Contact the jury administrator at the court that summoned you. They can help.
How to Handle Your Jury Summons
You’re not alone if you feel a little overwhelmed when that summons shows up. Most people do. Here’s what to do, step by step.
First, read the summons carefully. It will tell you when and where to appear, and how to respond. Second, notify your employer as soon as possible. Show them the summons. You are legally entitled to the time off. Third, if you have a genuine hardship, contact the jury administrator before your scheduled date. Do not just skip it. Fourth, show up on time and dressed appropriately. Business casual to professional attire is the standard in Indiana courtrooms. Slacks, a polo or button-down shirt, or similar professional clothing works fine.
If you’re selected for a jury, follow the court’s instructions carefully. Do not discuss the case with anyone outside the jury room. Do not research the case on your own. Take your role seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I lose my jury summons? Contact the court that issued it as soon as possible. They can provide the details you need to respond correctly.
Can I be excused if I have a pre-paid vacation? Travel plans can qualify for a deferral in some cases. Contact the jury administrator before your service date and explain your situation.
Can self-employed people get out of jury duty in Indiana? Being self-employed is generally not an automatic excuse. You may request a deferral if the timing creates extreme financial hardship, but approval is not guaranteed.
Do I have to serve on a jury if I’m 75 or older? No. If you are 75 or older, you can request a permanent exemption by simply notifying the jury administrator. You do not need to provide any additional documentation.
What if my employer fires me for going to jury duty? That’s a Class B misdemeanor in Indiana. Contact the jury administrator and consider speaking with an employment attorney. You may be entitled to reinstatement and back pay.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how Indiana jury duty laws work. It’s not as scary as it sounds. Most service lasts just one day. Your job is protected. And if you have a real hardship, there are legal ways to address it.
The key is to respond to your summons. Don’t ignore it. Don’t lie on the qualification form. And if something comes up, reach out to the court early. Judges and jury administrators deal with these situations all the time. They’re not out to get you.
Stay informed, know your rights, and when in doubt, contact an attorney or reach out to the court directly.
References
- Indiana Judicial Branch: Serving Jury Duty – Official state resource on jury service in Indiana.
- Indiana Code Section 33-28-5: Juror Qualifications – Official statute covering eligibility and disqualification.
- Indiana Jury Rules (Official Court Rules) – Complete court rules governing jury assembly and selection.
- LegalClarity: Jury Duty in Indiana – Laws, Pay, and Exemptions – In-depth guide to Indiana jury duty compensation and employer protections.
- Banks Brower Law: What Happens If I Don’t Go to Jury Duty in Indiana? – Updated 2026 guide to penalties for missing jury duty.
