A subpoena is a written court order that notifies an individual that they must appear in court. Generally, the directive is to give testimony or provide specific documents to be used as evidence in a trial or deposition. Since you’re legally required to comply with the request, it’s always a smart idea to retain professional legal services if you’re served with this document.

FAQ About Subpoenas

How is it served?

Typically, a subpoena is requested by an attorney, issued by a court clerk or notary public, and served by an individual hired to deliver legal notices. It can be served in many different ways, such as hand delivery, email, or certified mail.

What information is included?

A subpoena contains basic information about when and where you’re required to fulfill your obligation, and if you need to bring any documents or other types of evidence with you. It should also include details, such as the type of case and the parties involved. If you receive a subpoena and find any of these details unclear, a legal services team can help you decipher the information.

What types of evidence can it request?

The purpose of a subpoena is to allow an attorney to obtain information that might be beneficial in helping them prove their client’s case. While securing testimony is a common example, a subpoena can request a range of evidence types, including computer files, DNA samples, tax returns, insurance claims, cell phone data, and employee records.

How do I respond?

Follow the subpoena’s instructions carefully, and show up to the requested location on time. If you’ve been asked to supply documentary evidence, bring it with you. Contact a legal services team for help if you think you’ll need more time gathering any requested information. If you believe you’ve been issued the subpoena in error or have a strong objection against testifying, don’t ignore the notice as this can be punishable by fees and jail time. Instead, have a legal services team help you file a written objection before the court date.

If you’ve been served a subpoena, let the experts at AAA Legal Process, Inc. in Honolulu, HI, walk you through the process. This highly experienced team also offers a wide range of legal services, including notarizing, process serving, court filing, and document delivery. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (844) 737-8344 to schedule an appointment.