How long does it take to subpoena a phone?

Asked by: Francisco Raynor MD  |  Last update: February 23, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)

Telecom providers generally take 2 to 4 weeks to process subpoenas, depending on their workload and the complexity of the records requested. Requests for detailed data, such as text message logs or location information, may take longer to fulfill.

How long does it take to subpoena phone records?

Don't expect a quick response when you subpoena cell phone records. Each carrier is different, but they all take a long time when responding to subpoenas. The average response time can be anywhere from 6 weeks to several months.

What happens when a phone is subpoenaed?

The service provider retrieves the requested data within the scope of the subpoena. They may redact irrelevant or protected information to comply with privacy laws. The data is then delivered to the requesting party or directly to the court, depending on the terms of the subpoena.

How long does it take to get a subpoena?

It takes only as long as it takes the attorney to draft and file the subpoena request. The clerk of the court then processes the request and issues the subpoena. All in all, it usually takes less than a week.

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 can you Subpoena Phone Records

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How much does it cost to subpoena phone records?

Based on these factors, the costs of complying with a phone records subpoena could range from: $25 – $200 for a basic subscriber information request covering a short period. $500 – $3,000+ for detailed call logs, text transcripts, and other records over an extended period, especially if third-parties are involved.

How do cops prove you were on your phone?

For the state to prove that you were illegally using your phone, they will typically require eyewitness testimony from the officer making the stop, an admission from the driver, evidence from the phone itself, or public information from social media sites.

Can you be served a subpoena over the phone?

Serving a subpoena over the phone is not a standard or common practice in legal proceedings. Subpoenas are generally served in person, by process servers, or through a certified mail. The exact method used in a case depends on the jurisdiction and the rules of the court hearing the case.

Can cell phone conversations be retrieved?

Contact your cell phone provider.

If you have lost the records sent to you or cannot locate the records online, the best remaining option is to contact your phone provider. They are mandated by law to keep the records, and should be able to provide them to anyone who can prove that they are the main account holder.

Can your text messages be subpoenaed?

As such, California courts can take text messages as valid and usable evidence as long as they can be verified and are relevant to the case at hand. To access text messages using a subpoena, you'll have to issue a subpoena duces tecum to the entity or organization that has the text messages in their records.

Can your phone testify against you?

Yes, a prosecutor can use certain relevant information on your phone as evidence against you. If the information is obtained legally, such as through a search warrant or with your consent, it can be presented in court to support the prosecution's case.

Can you avoid being subpoenaed?

Quashing a subpoena includes filing an objection and citing legally valid reasons for avoiding the duty of appearing. An attorney can help you file an objection and evaluate your chances to avoid the subpoena.

Can deleted text messages be subpoenaed?

Deleted text messages can potentially be subpoenaed, but the success of retrieving them depends on various factors. When a text message is deleted, it may not be immediately removed from the phone's system and could still be recoverable.

Can text messages be pulled from phone records?

Although police can obtain messages from service providers or a phone's memory, there are legal and privacy considerations. The process of retrieving these text messages is subject to stringent laws to protect individuals' privacy, and police typically require a warrant to access this data.

What happens after an information subpoena?

These requests are a court order for you to respond to the questions about your financial situation. If you fail to respond, then most states will allow the creditor to have you declared in contempt of court and have a bench warrant 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 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.

Can you be served by text messages?

The Text Message Must be Legally Obtained

This means a person must voluntarily provide the court with the text messages. If this doesn't occur, then an attorney must acquire a court order or subpoena for access to the cell phone, or law enforcement must obtain a warrant for access to it.

How do I prove I wasn't on my phone?

In this situation I would normally request telephone records for the phone that you were not using. These telephone records must come direct from your service provider in order for them to be admissible in evidence (used in court to assist your defence).

Can they prove I was on my phone?

Cell phone records often prove useful to the prosecution. Incriminating cell phone data might include timestamps of electronic communications, social media posts, and phone call records.

How difficult is it to subpoena phone records?

Phone records can be difficult to obtain as the phone companies usually fight back against subpoena claims. Make sure you have a valid reason for obtaining the phone records before you begin this process. For instance, if the records hold proof of a crime, this may be considered sufficient cause for a subpoena claim.

How far back can phone records be subpoenaed?

In the United States, there is no set time limit for how far back text messages can be subpoenaed from phone companies or iPhones by the FBI. The government can subpoena past records going back as far as they exist. Most phone companies keep records for 1-2 years.

How easy is it to subpoena text messages?

Subpoena for text messages is a difficult area of discovery practice. The fact is that the service provider, absent some bizarre situation, does not store the information, so obtaining text messages really must come from the opposing party.