Failure to go to jury duty in Indiana could have serious consequences. All Indiana residents with few exceptions are required to appear when summoned to do so by the district court. Failure to comply with these court orders could come with serious penalties, including community service, fines of up to $1,000, and as many as three days in jail.
However, if you challenge the allegations against you with a powerful criminal defense and can clearly show that you had just cause for your failure to comply with a district court summons, you may be able to avoid these penalties. Here is more about how jury duty works in Indiana and what to expect if you are selected.
How Jury Selection Works
If you do not show up for jury selection, you could be accused of noncompliance under Title 28, United States Code, §1866(g). You could find yourself in jail and be ordered to pay considerable fines. The jury selection process does not need to be intimidating. When you show up in court, the judge will describe the case in question and introduce the involved parties. Then, you will swear an oath to answer any questions you are asked truthfully.
This question is known as “voir dire”. Here, both parties’ lawyers will ask you questions about your personal beliefs, any information you may have about the case, or other factors that could call into question your ability to remain impartial, whether you are serving as a juror on a drug possession or violent crime case. If you are uncomfortable answering any questions openly, you can request to answer them privately with the judge.
What to Expect on Your First Jury Service
You will generally know by noon whether you are going to be selected to serve on the jury, according to the Southern District of Indiana. After orientation, you will report to the courtroom for the trial that is scheduled to begin.
You Could Still Get Paid
Indiana law does not require employers to compensate employees for time off work, even if it is to serve on jury duty. Employers have the discretion to pay workers who are selected to serve on juries, but there is no legal obligation.
How Long Jury Trials Last
Every trial is different, so you should prepare to serve as a juror on the trial for at least five days. However, depending on the circumstances of the case, it could be weeks or months of jury service. You will know how long the trial should last on the morning of jury selection. If you have any serious hardships that occur during jury service or prior to jury service that will prevent you from serving as a juror, you should notify the judge as soon as possible.
What to Expect On a Typical Trial Day
If you are selected to serve on a jury, you can expect your day to begin somewhere around 9 AM. Depending on where you are at in the trial, the day could be spent hearing testimony or deliberating. You will be given a morning break, time for lunch, and up to two breaks in the afternoon.
The court system will provide you with beverages and snacks, or you have the right to bring your own if you have specific dietary needs. Generally, your trial day will end around 5 PM. However, the days may be longer or shorter once the trial has commenced and the jury is deliberating.