I’ve gotten summoned several times over the years, it’s changed somewhat. You used to have to go for a whole week in person but not anymore. Usually now, after you fill out the form and register by phone or online, you’ll have a week of being “on call.” So you call every evening to be told whether you’ll have to show up at the courthouse in the morning. (Or there may be a website to check now, it’s been awhile) Sometimes it’s not at all, and you can keep doing your regular job. Sometimes you do have to go report in, and sit in the waiting room, and if you get through the day without being put in a court as part of the jury pool, you’re all done. If you do get on a trial you have to keep showing up until the trial is done.

If you have good reasons you can’t do it, you can ask to be excused. Like you have to personally provide care for a child or a vulnerable person during court hours. Or you are too disabled to sit in the courtroom. Financial hardship is a gray area, you can ask but it might not get you off. Although it will probably keep you out of a long trial, because nobody’s lawyer wants an angry juror.

You can also ask to have your dates moved to a more convenient time. I learned by accident that the week before Thanksgiving is a good choice because the judges and lawyers don’t like to start a trial that might drag through the holiday.

Waiting to be called, you can work or browse on your phone (maybe laptop, depends on the court) but of course in court you have to pay attention.

You could be part of the jury who convicts a serial rapist, or one that finds a company liable for fraud, or frees an innocent person. Or you could sit around bored for a day or two and be done.