Alexander T. Harvey has a choice to make before the end of next month: apologize for skipping out on jury duty or serve 30 days behind bars.

During questioning last week in court in Fremont, Neb., by attorneys to determine the jury makeup for a three-day civil trial, Harvey asked to be excused to go to the restroom. When told he would have to wait, Harvey got up and left the courtroom — never to return.