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Receiving a subpoena can be stressful. Here's what to do — and what to avoid — step by step.
A subpoena is a court order. Ignoring it can result in contempt of court, fines, or even arrest. But receiving a subpoena does not mean you are in trouble — it means someone believes you have information or documents relevant to a legal proceeding.
Determine what type of subpoena you received and note the key deadlines.
Note the date, time, and location of any required appearance and the deadline for producing documents.
Before you respond to or comply with a subpoena, consult an attorney — especially if:
Once you receive a subpoena, you have a legal obligation to preserve all documents and information within its scope. Do not destroy, delete, or alter anything. This includes emails, texts, files, photos, and physical documents.
You or your attorney may have grounds to object to or quash the subpoena. Common objections include:
Objections typically must be filed within a short deadline (often 14 days in federal court). Do not wait until the last minute.
If there are no valid objections, comply with the subpoena by the stated deadline. For document subpoenas:
What NOT to Do
These resources provide general information. For guidance specific to your situation, contact Addison Law Firm.