Can my employer fire me for jury duty in Arizona?

Question

Accepted Answer

No. Arizona law prohibits it. Specifically, an employer:

- May not refuse to permit an employee to serve as a juror .
- May not dismiss or in any way penalize an employee because the employee serves as a grand or trial juror .
- Must not let the employee lose seniority or precedence while absent for jury service, and must return the employee to the previous position or a higher position commensurate with the employee's ability and experience upon return .
- May not require or request the employee to use annual, vacation, or sick leave for time spent responding to a summons, participating in jury selection, or actually serving on a jury .

The employer is not, however, required to pay the employee for time absent due to jury service . Anyone who violates these protections is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor . In addition, an employee who is terminated in retaliation for jury service has a claim against the employer .

If you believe you were fired or penalized for serving on a jury, a licensed Arizona employment attorney can advise you on your options.