Getting a jury summons in the mail can feel stressful. You might be wondering what happens if you ignore it. Or maybe you’re not sure what your boss is allowed to do while you’re away.
Don’t worry. This guide breaks it all down in plain English.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is your legal obligation to serve as a juror when the court calls on you. It’s one of the most important rights in the American legal system. Both the U.S. Constitution and the Washington State Constitution guarantee every person the right to a trial by jury.
That means the system only works if real people show up. Pretty simple, right?
Washington uses a random selection process to choose jurors. Your name could come from a list of registered voters, licensed drivers, or state ID cardholders in your county. You don’t get to volunteer. You don’t get to opt out just because it’s inconvenient.
Who Must Serve in Washington?
Okay, this one is important. Not everyone qualifies. But most people do.
Under Washington law (RCW 2.36.070), you must meet all of the following to be eligible for jury duty:
You must be at least 18 years old. You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be a resident of the county where you were summoned. You must be able to communicate in English. You must not have been convicted of a felony unless your civil rights have been restored.
Sound complicated? It’s actually not. If you live in Washington, are a citizen, and have a clean record, you’re almost certainly eligible.
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people. There are no occupational exemptions. Doctors, teachers, students, nurses, business owners? You’re all eligible. Washington law is clear: being busy at work or in school does not excuse you.
How Does the Summons Process Work?
You’ll receive a jury summons in the mail. This is your official notice to report for jury duty. Once you get it, you need to respond within five days. Most counties now have an online juror portal where you can confirm your information, request a postponement, or ask to be excused.
Wondering what happens at the courthouse? You won’t necessarily sit on a trial. Jury duty is a one-day minimum obligation. If you’re not selected for a case by the end of that day, you’re done and go home.
If you are selected for a trial, the average case in Washington lasts about two weeks. Longer trials are less common but do happen. The judge will explain everything when you get there.
The Jury Selection Process
Once you arrive at the courthouse, you might go through a process called voir dire. That’s basically French for “to speak the truth.” It’s how judges and lawyers choose the final jury from a pool of potential jurors.
Each attorney gets to ask you questions about your background, your beliefs, and whether you know anyone involved in the case. The goal is to find a fair and impartial jury. Each side can remove jurors they think might be biased against their client.
Stay with me here, because this part matters. Just because you’re in the jury pool doesn’t mean you’ll be chosen for a trial. Many people show up, wait a few hours, and go home without serving on any case.
How Often Can You Be Called?
Washington limits how often you can be summoned. If you’ve already served jury duty in the last 12 months, you can generally request to be excused from a new summons. You’ll need to provide written proof of your prior service.
Here’s how it works. Served in King County Superior Court? Just contact them and request the exemption. Served in a different court? Get a letter from that court confirming your service and send it along with your summons paperwork.
Most counties let you postpone your jury service up to twice. You can usually do this online through the juror portal. Postponements push your service to a later date that works better for you.
Valid Reasons to Be Excused
I looked this up recently, and the rules surprised me. They might surprise you too.
Washington law says you can only be excused from jury duty for a few specific reasons. Just being busy is not one of them. You need to show “undue hardship,” which means it would be genuinely unfair for you to serve.
Medical conditions count. If a doctor says you’re physically unable to serve, you’ll need a letter from your physician explaining your condition. The letter must come from your healthcare provider and describe why you cannot serve. Courts do not accept FMLA forms or prescription records as a substitute.
Age matters too. If you’re 80 or older, you can request to be excused simply by filling out an attestation form. You don’t even need a doctor’s note. The court must grant this request automatically.
There’s also a new provision added in recent years. If you’re breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for a baby under 24 months old, you can request to delay or be excused from service. You just need to attest to this in writing.
Financial hardship can also be a valid reason. If your employer doesn’t pay you during jury service and that creates a genuine hardship, you can request excusal. You’ll need a letter from your employer stating their pay policy.
What Happens If You Ignore Your Summons?
Hold on, this part is important.
Skipping jury duty in Washington is a crime. Under RCW 2.36.170, intentionally failing to appear when summoned is a misdemeanor. Think of it like a traffic ticket, but with more serious consequences. A misdemeanor in Washington can mean fines and even jail time.
That said, courts do have discretion. Many people who miss jury duty get a call or postcard asking them to reschedule. But don’t count on that. The safest move is always to respond to your summons and communicate with the court.
Many people assume skipping is no big deal. They find out the hard way. Don’t be one of them.
How Much Do Jurors Get Paid?
Honestly, the pay is not great. But it’s something.
Washington pays jurors $10 to $15 per day depending on the county. You also receive mileage reimbursement based on the round-trip distance from your home to the courthouse. If you use public transportation, many courts will reimburse your bus, train, ferry, or light rail fare instead.
Checks are typically mailed out every two weeks. Expect to wait about a month after your service ends before your final check arrives.
Some counties, like Pierce County, have run pilot programs with higher pay rates. Pierce County offered $100 per day during a pilot program, though that program ended in April 2025. Pay rates can change, so check with your local court for the most current information.
Your Employer’s Responsibilities
Now, here’s where things get serious for both employees and employers.
Washington law requires your employer to give you time off for jury duty. This is not optional. Under RCW 2.36.165, every employer must provide a sufficient leave of absence when an employee is summoned for jury service.
Your employer cannot fire you because you got a jury summons. They cannot threaten you. They cannot harass you or pass you over for a promotion because of your jury service. These protections apply the moment you receive your summons, not just when you actually serve.
Here’s the important catch. Your employer is not required to pay your full salary while you’re gone. Many employers do pay, at least partially, but the law doesn’t force them to. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department before you go.
If your employer intentionally violates these rules, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. You also have the right to sue your employer for damages and reinstatement if they retaliate against you.
Personally, I think this law makes sense. The jury system only works if employees feel safe serving without risking their jobs.
Beware of Jury Duty Scams
This one is worth knowing. It’s more common than you think.
Courts in Washington have reported scam calls where someone pretends to be a law enforcement officer or court employee. They claim there’s a warrant out for your arrest because you missed jury duty. Then they demand payment to make the warrant go away.
This is always a scam. Neither the courts nor the U.S. Marshals Service will ever call you to demand payment over the phone. A real warrant is served in person by law enforcement, not over the phone. If you get one of these calls, hang up and contact local law enforcement.
How to Handle Your Jury Summons
Here’s what you need to do when your summons arrives:
Read it carefully. The summons will explain when and where to report. It also includes a questionnaire you must fill out and return within five days. Most counties have an online juror portal where you can handle everything digitally.
If you need to postpone, do it through the portal. Most counties allow up to two postponements. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, submit your request in writing with any required documentation.
On the day you serve, dress business casual. No shorts, tank tops, or hats. Arrive on time, because one late juror can delay the entire process for everyone.
Trust me, the process is smoother than most people expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be called for jury duty more than once a year in Washington?
Generally, no. If you’ve served in the past 12 months, you can request an exemption with written proof of your prior service.
Does my employer have to pay me during jury duty?
No. Washington law requires your employer to give you time off, but it does not require them to pay your salary during that time.
What happens if I skip my jury summons?
Intentionally failing to appear is a misdemeanor under RCW 2.36.170. You could face fines or other penalties.
Can I be excused if I’m a student or self-employed?
No. There are no occupational exemptions in Washington. Students and self-employed individuals must serve like everyone else.
Can my employer fire me for serving on jury duty?
No. That is illegal under RCW 2.36.165. You have the right to reinstatement and can sue for damages if your employer retaliates.
What if I’m 80 or older?
You can request to be excused by submitting a simple attestation form. No doctor’s note is needed, and the court must grant your request.
How long will I have to serve?
Jury duty is a minimum one-day obligation. If you’re selected for a trial, Washington cases average about two weeks. Your term of availability is typically a two-week on-call period.
Final Thoughts
Jury duty is one of the most direct ways you participate in democracy. It keeps the justice system running for everyone, including you, should you ever need it.
Now you know the basics. Respond to your summons, know your rights at work, and reach out to your local court if you have questions. When in doubt, call your county courthouse or consult a lawyer. Stay informed, and don’t let fear or confusion get in the way of doing your civic duty.
