To be subpoenaed means to receive a formal legal order compelling a person to appear before a court or legal proceeding to testify as a witness or to produce documents or other evidence. It is a binding order that must be complied with, and failure to respond to a subpoena can result in penalties such as being held in contempt of court, fines, or even arrest. A subpoena can require:
- Testifying under oath at a specified time and place.
- Producing relevant documents or evidence for the case.
There are different types of subpoenas including those that require testimony (witness subpoena), production of evidence (subpoena duces tecum), or appearance at a deposition (deposition subpoena). Subpoenas are typically issued by a court, attorneys, or authorized government agencies and served directly to the individual via personal delivery, mail, or email. It is important for the recipient to carefully read the subpoena, note the date and location they need to appear, and comply fully to avoid legal consequences. If compliance is difficult, the recipient may have options to challenge or request modifications, often requiring legal advice.
