robot_parade

The answer is 'it depends' - each state, and even each county, has different rules and procedures. Federal cases are entirely different, and I have no idea how they work. Doing what yotta did is probably...unwise, since if the judge notices and is in a pissy mood, you can have a police officer show up at your home, bring you to court, then put you in jail. Contempt of court, what fun! Excuses, like being busy, won't do you any good there. There are various reasons you can get exempted, but basically, everyone is busy, no one really enjoys taking time off from work/school/masturbation. It's called civic duty for a reason.

When I called called for jury duty, the first time, I sat in on a day-long civil trial, and a 1/2 day one that ended in a mistrial. The second time I wasn't called at all.

Basically, unless you can give a really good reason why you can't attend (and 'work' and 'school' don't count - "I'm an ER doc" or "Final exams" probably would), count on losing at least a day of your life sitting around and waiting to be called, and maybe another day sitting in on a trial. Up to several weeks if it's a massive complicated thing/murder trial. Or, do like yotta did and ignore it, but be prepared to face the consequences if you aren't as lucky.

Oh, and don't give the judge any shit. Ever. Just not a good idea.