Failure to appear for jury duty can land you in hot water

Many of us know what it’s like to get a jury duty summons in the mail. However, 22 people faced a Bonneville County Judge Wednesday to explain why they couldn’t serve their civic duty.

Judge Stephen Clark called each juror up one by one, each person recounting a different story on why they couldn’t make it.

The punishment for failing to serve can be costly, you could spend up to 3 days in jail, pay a fine up to $300 or both.

It was one juror’s lucky day, he was let off the hook.

“Make sure you show up for jury duty, or at least try. I was worried,” said Ronald Barnes. “That ‘yes’ they could have fined me the 300 and put me in jail and all that stuff. “

Barnes explained to Judge Clark how he drove down to the courthouse the day of because he accidentally forgot to call in.

Clark commended him and dismissed the fine because Barnes had at least attempted to serve.

Other jurors weren’t so lucky. Many of them walked away with a fine of $50 and another juror duty summon.

Dan Conrad said he used his get out of jail free card because due to his medical hardships he can’t serve.

Before dismissing each juror, Clark requested each juror share their experience with their friends and family.

“I want the public to know how important it is to comply with jury summons,” said Judge Clark.

According to the Bonneville Jury Duty website, Idaho pays jurors $10 for a full day and $5 for half a day. They also pay for your mileage.