How long does it take to respond to a rule 45 subpoena?

Asked by: Grayce Pfannerstill  |  Last update: September 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (61 votes)

Follow Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 45(b). Pursuant to Rule 45(d)(2)(B), the party has 14 days to respond after service of the subpoena, or the party must respond before the time specified for compliance in the subpoena if it is less than 14 days.

How long do you have to respond to a subpoena rule 45?

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 does not provide a minimum time that a person has to respond to a subpoena. Largely, the timeframe is up to the issuing party. However, 30 days is generally seen as a reasonable amount of time.

What is Rule 45 subpoena deadline?

Non-parties must be hyper-vigilant when calendaring the due date for their objections to a subpoena that specifically or implicitly seeks ESI. Under Rule 45(c)(2)(B), the objections are due 14 days after service unless the subpoena specifies a later time.

How long does it take to reply to a subpoena?

For a subpoena duces tecum in a criminal action, the response must be provided five (5) days after receipt of the subpoena or within the time agreed upon by the party serving the subpoena and the custodian of records or witness. (Evid.

What is rule 45 subpoena objection?

Written Objections under Rule 45(d)(2)(B)

Written objections to a subpoena for inspection or production must be served on the party or attorney named in the subpoena by the earlier of (1) the time indicated in the subpoena for compliance or (2) within 14 days of service.

Do I Have To Respond To A Subpoena? | LawInfo

20 related questions found

What does Rule 45 mean in court?

FRCP Rule 45: Subpoena

Further, subpoenas must command each person who receives one to attend and testify, permit the inspection of a particular premises, or produce designated documents, electronically stored information (ESI), or tangible objects.

What is the rule 45 subpoena undue burden?

Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45(d)(1), “a party or attorney responsible for issuing and serving a subpoena must take reasonable steps to avoid imposing undue burden or expense on a person subject to the subpoena” and the court “must enforce this duty and impose an appropriate sanction[.]” Under Rule 45(d)(3)(A ...

What to do if someone ignores subpoena?

Failure to honor a personally served subpoena may result in court-ordered sanctions of a fine or the forced surrender of the person. A court's authority to impose these sanctions is known as its contempt power.

What is a Rule 45 subpoena in Massachusetts?

As amended, Rule 45(a) states that a subpoena may command a person, in addition to giving testimony, “to produce designated documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things in that person's possession, custody or control; or to permit inspection of premises” and to do so “at a specified time and place.” ...

What is the most appropriate response to subpoena?

Recommended Actions
  • Thoroughly read the entire subpoena to find all relevant information.
  • Consult your legal counsel about any questions or concerns.
  • Attempt to informally resolve any issues before submitting a motion to object.

What is the rule 45 subpoena in Texas?

FRCP 45(b): Any person who is at least 18 years old and not a party may serve a subpoena by delivering a copy to the named person. TRCP 176.5: A subpoena must be served by a sheriff, constable, or any person who is not a party and is at least 18 years of age by delivering a copy to the named person.

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.

Who pays for subpoena documents?

§ 2554.29 Who pays the costs for a subpoena? The party requesting a subpoena shall pay the cost of the fees and mileage of any witness subpoenaed in the amounts that would be payable to a witness in a proceeding in United States District Court.

What is the maximum penalty for failing to respond to a subpoena?

If convicted, 18 U.S.C. 402 authorizes the court to impose fines not to exceed $1000 and jail time not to exceed six months.

Can you be excused from a subpoena?

Choosing to try and avoid a subpoena is not an easy process. The person will need to hire an attorney, pay attorney fees in most cases, and will need to prepare a motion. If the motion fails, or if there are other reasons that a party may need the person to testify, they may not be excused.

Does a subpoena mean you are in trouble?

A subpoena is a court order to come to court. If you ignore the order, the court will hold you in contempt. You could go to jail or face a large fine for ignoring the subpoena. subpoenas are used in both criminal and civil cases.

What is the rule 45 service of subpoena?

Personal Service: Pursuant to FRCP Rule 45(b)(1) a subpoena must be personally delivered to the person whose attendance is required by the subpoena. A person who serves the subpoena must be at least 18 years of age. A person who serves the subpoena cannot be a party to the proceeding under which the subpoena is issued.

How do I refuse a subpoena?

A motion to quash a subpoena may be filed if someone believes that it was not issued legally. Such a motion generally means that the subject of the subpoena can refuse to comply with it until the court has made a decision on the motion.

How long does it take to respond to interrogatories in Massachusetts?

Under Rule 33, a party has thirty days as of right to answer interrogatories.

Can I plead the 5th when subpoenaed?

The Fifth Amendment can be invoked only in certain situations. An individual can only invoke the Fifth Amendment in response to a communication that is compelled, such as through a subpoena or other legal process. The communication must also be testimonial in nature.

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.

Is ignoring a subpoena a felony?

Disobeying a subpoena may also be punished with a contempt charge under California Penal Code § 1331. The maximum punishment for a misdemeanor contempt charge in California is generally 6 months in the county jail, a $1000 fine, or both.

How long does it take to respond to a subpoena?

The 10-day period for response to a subpoena is extended to 14 days to avoid the complex calculations associated with short time periods under Rule 6 and to allow a bit more time for such objections to be made.

What is the rule 45 amendment?

Amended Rule 45 allows a court to impose contempt sanctions for failure to obey a subpoena or a related court order. There are also changes related to the new motion transfer provisions.

How far in advance must a subpoena be served in Massachusetts?

There are no rules about how much advance notice you need to give the non-party witness if you just want them to testify at a deposition or in court. But you should give them enough time to get there. If you are also asking for documents, you need to give the non-party witness at least 30 days.