If you miss jury duty in Madison County, Alabama, the local circuit court says you can be fined up to $100 and jailed for up to 10 days under Alabama law. The court also warns that failure to report can trigger a court order requiring you to explain why you did not appear.

How they notify you

Madison County’s jury information is handled through the 23rd Judicial Circuit, and jurors are notified by a summons from the court. The public jury FAQ points people to the Court Administrator’s office if they have a conflict or need help with a summons.

What usually happens next

If you do not show up, the court may treat it as a failure to comply with the summons and can require you to come in and show cause. In practice, that means the court can ask why you missed it before deciding whether to impose a penalty.

Practical steps

  • Read the summons carefully for the reporting date, time, and location.
  • If you have a conflict, contact the court administrator right away.
  • Keep proof if you were sick, out of town, or had another legitimate reason.

Note on severity

Some Alabama court sources discuss harsher consequences in other court settings, including contempt findings and possible jail time, so it is best not to ignore a summons.

TL;DR: Madison County notifies you by jury summons, and skipping it can lead to a fine, jail exposure, and a court order to explain yourself.