How much does a lawyer charge for a subpoena?
Asked by: Dr. Jeanie Barrows | Last update: December 13, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (67 votes)
On average, the cost to subpoena someone may fall between $50 to $300. The exact amount depends on various factors, such as the location of the intended recipient, how complex the case is, and how quickly you need the subpoena served.
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 a subpoena charge?
A subpoena is a writ that is issued by a government agency, typically a court, to compel the production of evidence (usually documents) or to compel a person's appearance to testify in a deposition.
Do I need a lawyer if I get a subpoena?
You don't generally need an attorney to comply with a subpoena, unless anything you revealed could either harm you in some way, harm your business (e.g. don't reveal any trade secrets without an attorney requesting that info be kept confidential), or would benefit a party you don't want to help.
What are the three types of subpoenas?
Three common types of subpoena are – Subpoena duces tecum, deposition subpoena, and witness subpoena.
How Much Will a Subpoena Really Cost You?
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 long do subpoenas last?
If it is a subpoena as distinguished from a case starting summons and complaint, a subpoena expires on its return date. But a summons is good for 90 days after the starting of the law suit and can be served alternatively to in hand service.
Can a subpoena be refused?
However, there may be some situations where a person can refuse a subpoena. Firstly, it's important to note that a subpoena is a legally binding order, and generally, it cannot be refused. However, there are a few situations where a person can challenge or object to a subpoena.
Who has the power to subpoena?
Most House and Senate committees have specifically included in their rules one or more provisions on committees' and subcommittees' power to authorize subpoenas by majority vote. 4 Most House committees have also delegated to their chair the power to authorize subpoenas.
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.
Is a subpoena serious?
Ignoring or resisting a subpoena can have serious legal consequences. Subpoenas are legally binding orders. Failure to comply with a subpoena can result in various repercussions including: Contempt of Court: One of the most common consequences of ignoring or resisting a subpoena is being held in contempt of court.
What is the 100 mile rule for subpoenas?
A subpoena may command: (A) production of documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things at a place within 100 miles of where the person resides, is employed, or regularly transacts business in person; and (B) inspection of premises at the premises to be inspected.
Do we have subpoena in the UK?
The English legal system currently prefers the term 'witness summons' over 'subpoena. ' However, many people still recognise the meaning of a witness summons through the word 'subpoena'.
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 I charge for responding to a subpoena?
In Federal litigation, the general rule is that the party responding to the subpoena pays the costs associated with responding. Essentially, federal courts see it as a cost of doing business.
How much do you get paid to serve a subpoena?
They could make up to $70,000 per year, though actual earnings vary because servers are usually paid by the job. Fees range from $20 to $80 depending on location and type. Expedited or difficult service can grant higher rates.
Can you subpoena a lawyer?
Normally, attorneys may not act as witnesses in cases where they are counsel. The attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product privilege usually prevents attorneys from testifying, too. In general, only judges and attorneys can issue subpoenas.
What makes a subpoena invalid?
A court must quash or modify a subpoena if it does not allow a reasonable time to comply, requires travel of more than 100 miles, requires disclosure of privileged information, or creates an undue burden.
What are reasons to get out of a subpoena?
Valid reasons to get out of a subpoena may include: Did not receive or was not personally served with a subpoena; Medical emergency. Family emergency.
Can I ignore 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).
Can a victim refuse a subpoena?
According to California Civil Code Section 1219, victims are not obligated to testify, and they are exempt from contempt charges for refusing to do so. However, there may be consequences such as minor fees or community service if the victim refuses a subpoena.
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.
How much does a subpoena cost?
According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, a witness subpoenaed is entitled to a witness fee of $35 for each day's court appearance and a mileage fee of 20 cents per mile to cover their travel expenses.
Can you dismiss 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.
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.