whisker's right, the court only gives you a small stipend. It's supposed to be for gas, or parking, or whatever, but it's really small, doesn't begin to cover your expenses. I'd check at your work first. Many employers will pay you for the time you're on jury duty, but they don't have to, and a lot don't. If you can prove financial hardship you'll get excused, but I'm pretty sure that no matter what, you have to show up on the day you're summoned. And yes, a lot of people show up, never get sat on a jury, go home, and they're done after one day. OR you could end up on a three month murder trial; it's kind of a crap shoot.