How Subpoena’s Work.
Receiving subpoenas can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t know what’s happening. At Oklahoma Litigation Group, our attorneys want to make sure that you understand how subpoena’s work.
What Is a Subpoena?
Basically, this legal document is a court order that requires you to testify as a witness or provide information for a legal proceeding. Service of subpoena’s come to you by a private process server, or your local sheriff’s office. It will include a deadline for when you have to appear or produce the information.
Under the law, a subpoena gives attorneys the opportunity to gain evidence in their clients’ favor. If you receive such an order, you must provide evidence that supports an attorney’s case. When you don’t have to testify, the information that the document requests could include:
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DNA samples and blood test information.
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Digital information such as computer files.
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Printed photographs.
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Income tax records.
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Insurance records and medical bills.
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Employee records.
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Data charts and graphs.
How Do You Respond to This Document?
You shouldn’t ignore a subpoena because it’s part of the legal process. In some cases, failure to appear after service of a subpoena can result in a warrant for your arrest. Read through the entire document to learn whether you need to testify or provide documents. When you need to appear for a trial or hearing, ensure that you appear at the specified time. If it requests information, keep the related documents safe and provide them before the deadline.
Are There Penalties for Ignoring the Order?
Yes, a judge can hold you in contempt of court if you don’t follow the legal order because ignoring it hinders the judicial process. As a penalty, you could pay a fine, spend time in jail or both.
Don’t suffer penalties for not knowing how subpoena’s work and how to respond. Contact Oklahoma Litigation Group if you need help.
