what happens if i don't answer a subpoena from a lawyer

by Miss Charlene Halvorson 7 min read

If you don't respond to a subpoena, you can be cited for contempt of court for your failure to appear. 11 If you need to reply to a summons or subpoena, include all the information about the case, so you can be sure your reply is filed correctly.

Failure to respond to a subpoena is punishable as contempt by either the court or agency issuing the subpoena. Punishment may include monetary sanctions (even imprisonment although extremely unlikely).

Full Answer

Can you get a subpoena without a lawyer?

Failure to respond to a subpoena is punishable as contempt by either the court or agency issuing the subpoena. Punishment may include monetary sanctions (even imprisonment although extremely unlikely). Generally, a hearing will be held where the party charged with noncompliance has an opportunity to explain its side of the story, and the court or agency has broad discretion …

What are the rules for serving a subpoena?

Dec 17, 2010 · If you don't attend, the party who issued the subpoena can ask the judge to issue a body attachment, which is essentially the same as an arrest warrant. The police or sheriff can pick you up and hold you in jail until the next court date, to make sure you will appear. It sounds like you received the subpoena from the District Attorney.

What is the difference between a subpoena and a court order?

Aug 11, 2021 · Your response to the subpoena should both preserve your rights and comply with court rules. An incorrect response or a failure to respond to a subpoena can have serious consequences, such as fines for contempt or the waiver of your rights. Do not speak to anyone other than your attorney about the subpoena or the underlying lawsuit or investigation.

How to serve someone who is avoiding a subpoena?

Apr 21, 2009 ·

What is a subpoena in court?

A subpoena, or court summons as it is sometimes called, is a legal document issued by a judge that orders the recipient to comply with a very specific request from the court. It could be a demand to present certain items or documents. It could be a request for your direct participation in an ongoing case as a witness.

Can you go to jail for contempt of court?

You might be in contempt of court, which is punishable by jail time, a fine, or both. At the very least, you need to accept the subpoena and formally challenge its terms by informing the court about your reservations.

What is a subpoena for a witness?

A witness subpoena – This is a court order that requires an individual to appear in court in person on a specific date. This is usually because they are required to give witness testimony in an ongoing trial. A subpoena Duces Tecum – Duces Tecum is a Latin phrase that directly translates to “you shall bring with you.”.

What is a duces tecum?

A subpoena Duces Tecum – Duces Tecum is a Latin phrase that directly translates to “you shall bring with you.”. This kind of subpoena compels the recipient to produce documents, records, or any other publications in their possession, at a specific date or place, in a deposition or court hearing.

What is a deposition subpoena?

A deposition subpoena – This is a court order that compels an individual or entity that is not a party to a lawsuit to produce documents, records, or any other publications requested by one of the parties in the lawsuit and/or appear at a deposition on a specific day to answer questions.

What happens if you don't respond to a subpoena?

If you fail to respond, you’ll be in contempt of court, which is punishable by jail time, a hefty fine, or both.

What is spoliation of evidence?

Spoliation of evidence is a term that’s often used in civil litigation where one party to a suit uncovers or suspects that the other side has accidentally, negligently, or deliberately destroyed evidence that would be deemed relevant to the case.

What is a subpoena for a lawsuit?

A subpoena is a formal written order requiring you to provide documents or testimony in connection with a particular lawsuit or a governmental investigation. A subpoena for documents requires you to provide specific documents or categories of documents.

How do I respond to a subpoena?

Most people react in one of two ways when they receive a subpoena: they either ignore it, or they panic. Of these two responses, panicking is the better one because it at least prompts you to call your attorney. Please do call your attorney, but don’t panic. Your attorney will help you prepare your response to the subpoena in a way ...

What to do when you receive a subpoena?

Therefore, when you receive a subpoena, consult your general counsel or outside attorney right away. Your response to the subpoena should both preserve your rights and also comply with court rules. An incorrect response or a failure to respond to a subpoena can have serious consequences, such as fines for contempt or the waiver of your rights.

Craig Meyers

First, you should look to community resources for help in obtaining a low or no cost attorney.#N#Second, you must attend. If you believe you have a valid reason not to attend, then you should contact the attorney and tell him or her.

Geraldine Welikson Hess

Your husband has the legal right to take your deposition. If you fail to show up for your deposition your husband will request that you be sanctioned, which could include compelling you to appear for your deposition and/or limit your ability to tell your side of the case at your court date for the divorce.

Paula Brown Sinclair

Participation in discovery in good faith in a divorce is expected by the court. Failure to do so first results in a specific order to participate, and if you violate that order, sanctions including payment of the attorney's fees of your husband's attorney can be assessed. Navigating the discovery process without counsel is quite difficult.

What is a complaint in court?

The complaint is the specific charge, the reason the lawsuit is being filed, and the type of relief (usually money) being sought. 5. For more serious matters, like divorces and lawsuits, the summons may be delivered by the local sheriff or another individual appointed by the court. 6 A summons for jury duty is usually sent in the mail. 7. ...

Who is Jean Murray?

Jean Murray, MBA, Ph.D., is an experienced business writer and teacher. She has written for The Balance on U.S. business law and taxes since 2008. A sheriff comes to your business or home with a summons or you receive a subpoena by registered letter. It's always scary when something like that happens.

What to do when you receive a summons?

When you receive a summons, pay attention to the date by which you must reply. If the summons is for something more serious than jury duty, consider getting an attorney to help you work through the process.

What is a summons?

A summons is an official court document. It includes: The name of the type of court issuing the summons. It's important to note the court that has jurisdiction, which might be in another state than your own. The name of the party receiving the summons. It might be you as an officer of the company, or it might be to the "agent authorized ...

What is a summons subpoena?

If You Receive a Summons or a Subpoena. A summons or subpoena is an official court document. In fact, the term "subpoena" comes from the Latin for "under penalty.". You must respond to a summons or a subpoena as required and by the deadline required. 11 .

What happens if you don't respond to a subpoena?

If you don't respond to a subpoena, you can be cited for contempt of court for your failure to appear. 11. If you need to reply to a summons or subpoena, include all the information about the case, so you can be sure your reply is filed correctly. In either case, if you cannot do what's required or you cannot show up when required, ...