A wooden gavel beside a jury summons indicating legal penalties

What Really Happens If You Ignore Your Jury Summons

Ontario courts treat jury service as a court order. Skipping can trigger fines, jail, and bench warrants—here’s how the process unfolds and how to avoid trouble.

How Much Could I Be Fined or Jailed?

Judges weigh your record, reason, and attitude. The table below reflects statutory upper limits and the ranges Ontario courts typically impose. Community service or payment plans may replace part of a fine, but only at judicial discretion.

Scenario Potential Fine (CAD) Possible Jail Time Community Service Order?
First Offence Warning – $1,000 Rarely imposed Judge’s option
Repeat Offence $1,000 – $2,000 Up to 14 days Often Yes
Held in Contempt Up to $2,000 Up to 30 days Possible but less common
A wooden gavel resting on a fine notice highlighting jury duty consequences

Bench Warrant: Step-by-Step Timeline

  1. 1. Missed Appearance – Registrar flags your no-show on the attendance roll.
  2. 2. Notice of Hearing – Court mails a show-cause letter giving you a chance to explain.
  3. 3. Show-Cause Date – If you appear, judge may accept your excuse or set a fine.
  4. 4. Bench Warrant Issued – Fail to attend the hearing and the judge signs a warrant for your arrest.
  5. 5. Arrest or Service – Police or sheriff execute the warrant; you may be booked or given a new date.
  6. 6. Sentencing – Court imposes fine, jail, or discharge depending on circumstances.

Employer-Related Repercussions

Work Disruptions

An unexpected arrest or court date can derail projects, damage your reputation, and cost you unpaid leave. Keeping your HR team informed protects both your role and workflow.

Employer’s Legal Duties

Ontario’s Employment Standards Act requires employers to grant unpaid leave for jury service. They cannot dock vacation time or impose discipline for lawful attendance.

Anti-Retaliation Penalties

Employers face administrative fines up to $5,000 for punishing staff who comply with a summons. Learn more in our employer duty guide.

Typical Enforcement Clock

  1. Day 0–7: Phone reminder or email from jury office.
  2. Day 10–20: Registered warning letter with new appearance date.
  3. Day 30–45: Show-cause hearing scheduled; failure to attend risks warrant.
  4. Day 60–120: Bench warrant executed; police or sheriff may arrest at home or work.
  5. Day 120+: Unpaid fines forwarded to Provincial Offences Collections; driver’s licence suspension possible if outstanding >90 days.

Real-World Scenarios

The Forgetful Student

Alex, a 19-year-old college student, dismissed the envelope as “just another flyer.” After missing the date, he received a warning letter and called the court immediately. The judge accepted his apology and rescheduled service for the summer break, but imposed a $150 administration fee.
Key Takeaway: A prompt phone call often turns a looming warrant into a minor fine.

Self-Employed Contractor

Priya skipped her summons to finish a renovation project, hoping no one would notice. A bench warrant followed six weeks later; police served it at 6 am. In court, she paid a $900 fine and lost two days of billable work.
Key Takeaway: Ignoring the summons often costs more than requesting a deferral up front.

Repeat Defaulter

Sam had skipped jury duty twice in five years. The third time, the judge cited him for contempt—30 days jail, suspended on condition of 120 hours community service and a $1,500 fine.
Key Takeaway: Courts escalate quickly when they see a pattern of defiance.

Avoid Penalties: Action Checklist

  • Call the jury office as soon as conflicts arise—phones are answered weekdays 8:30 – 4:30.
  • Document medical issues with a dated doctor’s note within five days.
  • Apply online for a deferral using the official portal.
  • Review valid legal reasons before drafting your letter.
  • Confirm your eligibility status—ineligible citizens must still reply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many Ontario courthouses accept online or telephone payment through their Provincial Offences system. However, you must still attend any required hearing unless the judge explicitly waives appearance. Ignoring the hearing can lead to a bench warrant even if the fine is paid.

Failure to attend jury duty is prosecuted as a provincial offence, not a Criminal Code offence. It generally does not create a CPIC criminal record unless contempt proceedings include fingerprints. Nonetheless, some background checks may reveal the conviction via provincial databases.

Contact the courthouse that issued the warrant and arrange to surrender yourself voluntarily. Bring identification and any supporting documents (medical notes, travel proof). Voluntary appearance often results in lighter penalties compared to an arrest in the community.

Courts mail summonses via Canada Post and record the address. If you moved without updating Elections Ontario, you remain responsible. Explain the mail issue at the first opportunity—judges may withdraw penalties if they believe non-receipt was genuine and you act promptly.

A detailed note can support excusal, but the judge decides whether to exempt or accommodate you (e.g., shorter sitting periods). Submit medical evidence within the deadline and await written confirmation before assuming release.

Leaving the country with an outstanding warrant risks detention at the border on return. Airlines and foreign officials rarely check provincial warrants, but CBSA agents do. Clear the warrant first to avoid arrest, missed flights, and added legal costs.

Penalty Severity Estimator

Estimated Severity: —

This tool offers guidance only. Final penalties rest with the presiding judge.

Timely communication with the jury office nearly always prevents harsh penalties. Take action the moment you receive a summons.

Understand Your Summons