What is the penalty for providing false information in a request for an exemption or excuse from jury service?

• A. A contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000
• B. A jail sentence
• C. A civil fine of $50
• D. A warning or admonition

Answer: (A)

Providing false information on a request for exemption from jury service is treated as contempt of court. When someone lies or provides misleading details to avoid serving, it disrupts the court’s ability to manage the jury process and undermines the fairness of the system. The remedy in this case is a contempt action that carries a monetary penalty, specifically a fine within a defined range—not less than $100 and not more than $1,000. This level of punishment signals that dishonesty in exemption requests is a serious offense and helps deter future misrepresentation, preserving the integrity of jury selection. While contempt can involve jail in other situations or offenses, the described offense uses a monetary penalty within the stated range. A lighter approach, like a simple warning or a small civil fine, would not reflect the seriousness or enforceability of providing false information on an official jury form.