Understanding Subpoenas: Types and Compliance Requirements

A subpoena is a legal document issued by a court or other competent authority that orders a person to produce evidence or testify in a legal proceeding. Subpoenas are commonly used in criminal and civil cases, as well as in administrative hearings and depositions.

There are several types of subpoenas, including:

1. Witness subpoena: This type of subpoena requires a witness to testify in court or before a deposition.
2. Document subpoena: This type of subpoena requires the production of documents or other physical evidence.
3. Testimony subpoena: This type of subpoena requires the person served to provide testimony, either in court or before a deposition.
4. Deposition subpoena: This type of subpoena requires the person served to appear for a deposition, which is a pretrial discovery proceeding.
5. Trial subpoena: This type of subpoena requires the person served to testify at trial.

If you are served with a subpoena, you must comply with its terms or risk being held in contempt of court. If you have any questions or concerns about a subpoena, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible.