What to do if someone ignores subpoena?
Asked by: Manuel Stanton | Last update: September 1, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (36 votes)
In certain cases, if a person disobeys a subpoena, the court may issue an arrest warrant. This could result in being arrested and brought before the court to face the charges of contempt. Charges of contempt can carry a punishment of up to six months in confinement.
What happens if a subpoena is ignored?
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 to do if someone does not respond to a subpoena?
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy). 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.
Can a victim ignore 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.
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 if I ignore a subpoena? Law FAQ with Partner Ken Hoffman
Can I refuse to testify if I get a subpoena?
If you or a witness refuse to testify in court after getting summoned by a subpoena, the court may hold you in contempt. This legal offense can result in a court-imposed fine or imprisonment in the worst cases.
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.
What happens if a witness refuses to answer questions?
Consequences of Unjustified Refusal
These actions can range from compelling the witness to answer the question, holding the witness in contempt of court, or even imposing fines or jail time.
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 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 you go to jail for missing a subpoena?
A witness must be personally served with a subpoena for it to be considered valid under California law. If a witness doesn't appear in court after being personally served with a subpoena, they could be arrested for contempt of court.
What are the three types of subpoenas?
Three common types of subpoena are – Subpoena duces tecum, deposition subpoena, and witness subpoena.
What are valid reasons to quash a subpoena?
- 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 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.
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.
Does a subpoena mean I'm in trouble?
A subpoena is not an automatic indictment, but the government wants you to believe you're guilty so you cave in. Prosecutors chase convictions under United States v. Nixon, 418 U.S. 683 (1974), which confirmed how subpoenas can pry into almost anything.
Do you have the right to remain silent when subpoenaed?
You have the constitutional right to remain silent. It is not a crime to refuse to answer questions. You do not have to talk to anyone, even if you have been arrested or are in jail.
Can you go to jail for pleading the fifth?
The 5th Amendment protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves. An individual who pleads the 5th cannot be required to answer questions that would tend to incriminate himself or herself. Generally, there is no penalty against the individual for invoking their 5th Amendment rights.
How close to a court date can you be subpoenaed?
According to California law, a subpoena must be served at least 10 days before the date of the hearing or trial.
How to deal with uncooperative witnesses?
- Prepare for Evasiveness. Sometimes the best way to deal with an uncooperative witness is to expect them to be uncooperative ahead of time and be prepared for that. ...
- Employ Clear Questioning. ...
- Utilize the Looping Technique. ...
- Document Reluctance Formally. ...
- Adapt Questioning to Witness Demeanor. ...
- Invoke Legal Consequences.
Can you say I decline to answer in court?
In a more formal setting such as a deposition, hearing or trial, the person might say: “On the advice of counsel, I invoke my fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination and respectfully decline to answer your question.”
What if a victim refuses to testify?
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.
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.
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 happens if you don't obey 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).