Penalties for Skipping Jury Duty in Ontario
Ignoring a jury summons isn’t just a paperwork issue—it can cost you money, freedom, and a spotless record.
Legal Basis Under the Juries Act
Ontario treats jury service as a cornerstone of fair trials. Section 32 of the Juries Act empowers judges to fine or jail anyone who, “without reasonable cause,” ignores a summons or disobeys court instructions. Put plainly, skipping jury duty equals a form of contempt. Penalties are intended to protect the integrity of the justice system, not to punish honest citizens—so courts weigh your explanation, evidence, and history before deciding consequences. For a plain-language summary of every statutory requirement, visit our legal obligations page.
- Maximum monetary fine: up to $1,000 CAD per occurrence.
- Custody option: up to 30 days, usually only for repeat or willful defiance.
- Power to issue warrants: Judges can direct police or sheriffs to ensure appearance.
- Record implications: A contempt finding can appear on background checks until purged.
“Any person who, without reasonable cause, fails to attend in obedience to a summons, or being present leaves without permission, is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of not more than thirty days, or to both.”
How Much Could I Be Fined or Jailed?
The table below shows the maximums courts may impose. First-time no-shows often see lower fines ($0–$250) when they act quickly, but repeat offenders are more likely to face the ceiling. Jail is rare, yet judges have used it when citizens ignore multiple summonses or defy direct court orders.
| Scenario | Potential Fine (CAD) | Possible Jail Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Offence | $0 – $1,000 | Up to 5 days (rare) | Judge often accepts late compliance + explanation |
| Repeat Offence | $300 – $1,000 | Up to 15 days | Higher end if prior fines unpaid |
| Contempt Citation | Up to $1,000 plus costs | Up to 30 days | Includes sheriff fees, victim surcharge (~30%) |
What Happens After a No-Show?
- 1 Missed appearance. You fail to check in on the date and time printed on the summons.
- 2 Clerk notifies the judge. Absences are logged and flagged for judicial review.
- 3 Bench warrant requested. The judge may direct the sheriff to compel your attendance.
- 4 Sheriff executes warrant. Officers can visit home or work; you may be fingerprinted.
- 5 Court appearance. You explain why you were absent; counsel can speak on your behalf.
- 6 Penalty imposed. Judge decides fine, jail, or discharge based on evidence provided.
Employer-Related Repercussions
Your Work Responsibilities
Notify HR the moment you receive a summons. Provide dates and keep copies of any clerk correspondence. Ask for confirmation of unpaid leave to safeguard your job.
Your Employer’s Legal Duties
Section 50 of the Employment Standards Act bans dismissal or discipline for serving on a jury. Employers must hold your position or a comparable role until duty ends.
Penalties for Employer Retaliation
Courts can fine employers up to $5,000 per offence. Learn more in our employer guide.
How Courts Enforce Compliance
- Phone reminder (Day 3 – 7): Clerk calls numbers listed on your questionnaire.
- Warning letter (Day 10 – 20): Registered mail outlines penalties & next appearance.
- Sheriff service (Day 30 +): Officers hand-deliver notice; costs may be added to fine.
- Contempt hearing (Day 45 – 90): Judge decides warrant, fine, or jail based on your response.
Real-World Case Scenarios
The No-Show Student (Toronto, 2023): A 21-year-old missed jury duty during exams and ignored three letters. The court fined her $250 and required a weekend community service affidavit.
Key Takeaway: Call the clerk early; exams often justify a deferral.
The Double-Shift Nurse (Ottawa, 2024): Claimed work emergency but never filed paperwork. Judge imposed a $600 fine, payable in 60 days, noting the hospital would have accommodated a deferral.
Key Takeaway: Employer letters plus our deferral guide avoid penalties.
The Travelling Business Owner (Peel, 2025): Missed summons while abroad. Bench warrant executed at Pearson Airport; released on recognizance and fined $750.
Key Takeaway: Pre-booked travel qualifies for deferral—apply before you fly.
Prevention & Damage-Control Tips
- Set digital reminders the day your summons arrives.
- Use our excusal guide if genuine hardship exists.
- Review valid legal reasons before ignoring paperwork.
- Double-check eligibility rules—ineligible citizens must still reply.
- Review your core legal obligations so you never miss a mandatory step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Penalty Severity Estimator
Estimated Outcome: —
Disclaimer: Estimates are illustrative only. Courts decide based on facts.
Responding to your summons on time is the simplest way to avoid fines, warrants, and stress—take action early.
Read the Jury Summons Breakdown