How do you get around a subpoena?

Asked by: Lou Stoltenberg  |  Last update: February 27, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (71 votes)

If you don't want to appear personally or supply the requested documents, you may be able to “quash” the subpoena. Quashing a subpoena includes filing an objection and citing legally valid reasons for avoiding the duty of appearing.

What are reasons to get out of a subpoena?

Valid objections would include the following:
  • The subpoena did not give the statutory amount of time to respond.
  • You need more time to respond.
  • The subpoena was issued to an incorrectly named entity.
  • The request was overly broad and unduly burdensome.
  • The request would require the production of trade secrets.

Is there a way around a subpoena?

The general way you oppose a subpoena is by filing a motion to quash. So if you are not relevant to the case you can file a motion and say that. The Court will hold a hearing and determine if your testimony is relevant if that relevance overcomes other ojections you might have.

Can a witness decline a subpoena?

Don't Ignore a Witness Subpoena

That means failure to comply with the subpoena could subject you to a show cause hearing—where you will be summoned before the judge to explain your failure to appear or even to punishment for contempt of court. Thus, ignoring the subpoena is not an option.

What makes a subpoena invalid?

A subpoena issued by someone without the proper authority is invalid. Non-compliance with court rules: Subpoenas must comply with specific court rules and procedures. Any deviation from these rules can render the subpoena invalid.

I Received A Subpoena, What Should I Do?

33 related questions found

Can you disagree with a subpoena?

Object to the subpoena when appropriate.

You may not have to provide all requested documents and/or you may not have to testify. Your attorney can help you understand your obligations and may be able to narrow the scope of the subpoena by negotiating with the party that issued the subpoena.

What are valid reasons to quash a subpoena?

On a timely motion, the issuing court must quash or modify a subpoena that:
  • Fails to allow a reasonable amount of time to comply.
  • Requires a person who is neither a party nor a party's officer to travel more than 100 miles from where that person resides, is employed, or regular transacts business in person.

How to challenge a subpoena?

The subpoena recipient can also object to the request based on a lack of relevance. In this case, the subpoena recipient may either serve written objections to the issuing party based on a lack of relevance of the documents requested to the issues in the lawsuit, or file a motion to quash the subpoena.

What happens if someone ignores a subpoena?

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).

What are the three types of subpoenas?

Three common types of subpoena are – Subpoena duces tecum, deposition subpoena, and witness subpoena.

Am I in trouble if I get a subpoena?

If you are served with a subpoena, you must comply with it—even if you have to miss work—or risk contempt of court. You must show up where and when you are supposed to in order to comply with the legal document.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

Can you beat a subpoena?

A person can challenge a subpoena if is it insufficiently specific, yet this will likely require a hearing and an attorney may be necessary. Burden: This is commonly used to quash subpoenas requesting documents because it may require that the party produce documents of a very high volume in a short amount of time.

How do I protect myself from a subpoena?

6 Ways to Protect Yourself After Receiving a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena
  1. Making Contact with the U.S. Attorney's Office. ...
  2. Filing a Motion to Quash. ...
  3. Thoroughly Preparing Your Testimony or Document Production (or Both) ...
  4. Asserting the Attorney-Client Privilege. ...
  5. Asserting the Fifth Amendment Privilege Against Self-Incrimination.

Can you hide from a subpoena?

If you ignore the subpoena, not only is this likely to raise questions as to why you have chosen not to respond as required, but it could also lead to being held in contempt of court.

How do I get excused from a subpoena?

If you have been served with a subpoena to testify in a criminal trial in Santa Rosa, CA and you do not want to testify, your best course of action is to contact a criminal defense attorney who can help you work with the prosecutor and/or lawyer for the defendant to see if you can avoid going to court.

Can I decline a subpoena?

The court will then consider the challenge or objection and make a ruling. While it may be possible to challenge or object to a subpoena in certain situations, it is generally a legally binding order that must be complied with and shouldn't be refused.

Can a subpoena be dismissed?

There is a process by which a subpoena can be rejected by the court. Your attorney would have some motions to file on your behalf and the justification needs to be good. Don't even think about trying the pro se - you need an attorney. It all comes down to the prosecutor's discretion.

Can you refuse to testify as a witness?

If a victim or witness refuses to testify, the judge could hold them in contempt of court, as defined under Penal Code 166 PC. This misdemeanor carries fines and up to six months in jail in California, underscoring the gravity of their refusal. Also, the judge can decide to fine them or detain them until they comply.

How do I block a subpoena?

File a Written Objection

You can formally contest the subpoena within 15 days from the receipt of the notice through a written objection filed with the Clerk of Court. Then, a copy of the motion is served on the prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office.

Can you oppose a subpoena?

There are various grounds for third-party objections to subpoenas in California but you must meet a few requirements to quash the subpoena. Perhaps the most important requirement is objecting in a timely manner. A motion to quash must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the subpoena notice.

How do you void a subpoena?

Any person served with a subpoena who does not intend to comply shall, within 5 days after the date of service of the subpoena upon such person, petition in writing to revoke the subpoena. A copy of any petition to revoke a subpoena shall be served on the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued.

Does a subpoena mean you are in trouble?

Essentially, a subpoena, which literally means 'under penalty', requires one to inform under oath (testify) on the facts that are at issue in a pending case. A subpoena is typically requested by an attorney on behalf of the court and issued by a court clerk, notary public or justice of the peace.

What is the burden of proof for a subpoena?

The burden of proof rests on the subpoenaing party to make a "clear and convincing showing" that the privilege does not apply.

Can my phone records be subpoenaed without my knowledge?

Phone records can be subpoenaed without notifying the owner in certain legal circumstances, primarily when the records hold key evidence for a case. Courts may issue a subpoena if the records are critical to uncovering the truth in criminal investigations, civil disputes, or other legal proceedings.