Published by Mei in Resources | Updated 2024
Wait, are you a citizen?
Remember: Jury duty is a civic duty, and fulfilling it helps the justice system function fairly. If you are not a citizen or have a legitimate reason for not serving, follow the proper procedures to request an excuse or postponement.
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Citizens Only
Key takeaway: While you may get a summons, non-citizens are not required to serve on juries. If you receive one and aren’t a citizen, follow the instructions to inform the court (usually by completing a questionnaire about your immigration status).
Why Did I Receive the Summons?
Non-citizens may receive jury duty summonses for two main reasons, though they are ultimately not eligible to serve:
Incomplete information: Jury pools are often drawn from public records like driver’s licenses or [voter registration], which may not always reflect someone’s citizenship status.
Initial screening: The summons itself acts as a first-pass filter. By requiring everyone who receives one to respond, even non-citizens, the court efficiently gathers information and identifies those ineligible early on.
You MUST Respond!
Ignoring a jury summons, even as a non-citizen, can lead to trouble, so it’s important to respond, even if just to explain your ineligibility.
Here’s the deal:
- Fines: You could get fined, ranging from small amounts to thousands of dollars, depending on your location.
- Court trouble: In some cases, it could be considered contempt of court, potentially leading to further penalties like community service or even jail time.
- Future summonses: You might be put on a list for future jury selection, meaning you’ll likely get another summons down the line.
For specifics: Check the instructions on your summons or contact your local court directly to avoid any trouble.
FAQs
I got summoned for jury duty but I am not a citizen!
Non-citizens are not required to serve on US juries.
Should I respond to a jury duty summons?
Failure to respond can result in fines and future issues with the court.
Why as a non-citizen have I been summoned?
They take their selection from the states list of registered drivers.
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All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
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