what does it mean when you get subpoenaed by the prosecuting attorney

by Dr. Tito Wisoky I 9 min read

The Latin word ‘subpoena’ translates to ‘under penalty’ which means that if you are served a subpoena and don’t comply with the order, you will face a penalty. If you fail to follow the orders of a subpoena, you will be considered ‘in contempt of court’ and face civil or criminal penalties including jail time, fines, or both.

The Purpose of a Subpoena
In order to prosecute defendants, the State has an obligation to present witnesses against a defendant to establish that he or she committed a crime. Everyone in the United States has a right to confront their accusers in criminal cases under the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution.

Full Answer

What is a subpoena in a criminal case?

If you are reading this, you have probably been subpoenaed as a witness in a criminal case. We would like to tell you a little bit about what that means. First, in every criminal case there are at least two sides: the Prosecution (represented by prosecuting attorneys), and the Defendant (usually represented by one or more defense attorneys).

Do I need a lawyer to respond to a subpoena?

Jan 17, 2018 · A subpoena (pronounced "suh- pee -nuh") is a request for the production of documents, or a request to appear in court or other legal proceeding. It is court-ordered command that essentially requires you to do something, such as testify or present information that may help support the facts that are at issue in a pending case.

Can I challenge a subpoena in court?

May 28, 2020 · The Latin word ‘subpoena’ translates to ‘under penalty’ which means that if you are served a subpoena and don’t comply with the order, you will face a penalty. If you fail to follow the orders of a subpoena, you will be considered ‘in contempt of court’ and face civil or criminal penalties including jail time, fines, or both.

Can a witness be subpoenaed by order of the court?

Dec 28, 2021 · 1. A prosecuting attorney may issue subpoenas subscribed by the prosecuting attorney for witnesses within the State, in support of the prosecution or whom a grand jury may direct to appear before it, upon any investigation pending before the grand jury. 2.

How are subpoenas served in civil cases? (NRS 174.345)

A subpoena must be served directly to the person named in the subpoena by either: a peace officer, a process server, or any other person who is at...

How are subpoenas served in criminal cases? (NRS 174.315)

Defense attorneys may issue subpoenas to people ordering that that they appear as witnesses during a trial or Nevada preliminary hearing. These wit...

How do deposition subpoenas work? (NRS 174.375)

Nevada residents who are subpoenaed to appear at a deposition in Nevada are required to attend only if the deposition is either: where the person r...

How are prisoners subpoenaed? (NRS 174.325)

In order to subpoena a person in a Nevada prison or jail, the party requesting the subpoena has to file a motion in court. This motion must include...

Can objects be subpoenaed? (NRS 174.335)

Yes. Subpoenas can also order the person being served to produce documents or bring various other objects to court, such as: papers, books, and oth...

What happens when people defy a subpoena (NRS 174.385)

People who get subpoenaed will be held in contempt of court in Nevada if they do not comply with the orders of the subpoena. Depending on the case,...

What is the legal definition of subpoenas?

A subpoena is a court order requiring the recipient to appear at a court proceeding to testify as a witness. Meanwhile, a subpoena duces tecums is...

What is the required form and contents of subpoenas in Nevada?

In order for Nevada subpoenas to be legally enforceable, they have to be issued by the clerk under seal of the court or by a justice of the peace....

What are the service requirements?

Subpoenas have to be properly served on the person being subpoenaed in order to be valid. Parties to the case may not serve a copy of the subpoena...

What happens if you violate a subpoena?

Nevada courts may hold people 'in contempt' for disobeying a subpoena's order to appear in court and/or produce evidence or documents. The penalty...

What does subpoena mean?

The term "subpoena" literally means "under penalty". A person who receives a subpoena but does not comply with its terms may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, such as fines, jail time, or both. There are two types of subpoenas.

Why do civil attorneys subpoena witnesses?

Similarly, civil attorneys often subpoena individuals to obtain information that may help settle someone's claim. For example, an attorney representing a spouse in ...

What happens if you get a subpoena?

If you've received a subpoena for documents, financial records, photographs, or anything else deemed relevant to a court case, you must follow the proper procedures to fully comply with its demands. These procedures vary by jurisdiction and a failure to comply can lead to contempt charges or other harm to your interests.

How is a subpoena served?

How a Subpoena is Served. A subpoena is typically requested by an attorney and issued by a court clerk, a notary public, or a justice of the peace. Once a subpoena is issued, it may be served on an individual in any of the following ways: Hearing it read to you aloud.

What to do if you receive a subpoena?

The first thing you should do if you receive a subpoena is not ignore it. A subpoena is part of a court's legal process and failure to respond to a subpoena is considered contempt of court in most states. The next step is to read through the subpoena to determine what is being requested and/or who is being asked to appear.

What is contempt of court?

Criminal contempt can also include refusal to turn over documents or other data. Penalties for contempt of court often include payment of a fine, imprisonment, or both. Contempt charges may apply until the party in contempt agrees to produce the requested information or otherwise perform his or her legal obligation.

Who can sign a subpoena?

If the subpoena is for a high-level government official (such as the Governor, or agency head), then it must be signed by an administrative law judge.

Who can issue a subpoena?

Subpoenas can be issued by the court clerk or by an attorney involved in the legal action. Once issued, a subpoena must be served on the person for who it’s intended.

What is a subpoena served on?

A subpoena is typically served by a sheriff’s deputy on someone in the following ways: Personal delivery (AKA, hand-delivered) Posted delivery on the door at the person’s residence. Delivery to a responsible person at the person’s residence or place of employment.

What are the different types of subpoenas?

There are two types of subpoenas: 1 Subpoena Ad Testificandum (Witness subpoena)#N#Requires someone to appear in person to testify as a witness in a court proceeding or a deposition. 2 Subpoena Duces Tecum#N#Commands someone to produce physical evidence such as documents, materials, or other tangible evidence. The subpoena gives a deadline for the production of the physical evidence and will specify where the evidence must be produced. In a criminal proceeding in Virginia, the document or other physician evidence must be produced by delivering it to the Clerk of Court where the proceeding is being held.

What is a subpoena duces tecum?

A subpoena duces tecum can be used, however, to obtain evidence in the possession of a third party to the case, including a government agency not involved in the prosecution of the case.

What is a summons in court?

A summons is an official notice to appear in court which is provided to a party to the case, not a witness. In a civil case, the summons is the notice of the lawsuit which is given to the person who is being sued. This gives the defendant the opportunity to appear in court and contest the claim.

Does a subpoena require a witness to testify?

A witness subpoena requires a witness to appear at the courthouse at a particular time; however, the subpoena itself does not compel the witness to testify or to say anything.

Who must issue a subpoena?

Except as provided in NRS 172.195 and 174.315: 1. A subpoena must be issued by the clerk under the seal of the court. It must state the name of the court and the title, if any, of the proceeding, and must command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at the time and place specified therein.

What is a subpoena for documentary evidence?

NRS 174.335 Subpoena for production of documentary evidence and of objects. [production of documents] 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 172.139, a subpoena may also command the person to whom it is directed to produce the books, papers, documents or other objects designated therein. 2.

What happens if you defy a subpoena in Nevada?

What happens when people defy a subpoena (NRS 174.385) People who get subpoenaed will be held in contempt of court in Nevada if they do not comply with the orders of the subpoena. Depending on the case, the person can face jail, a fine, or both. Call our law firm for legal advice.

How to subpoena a person in Nevada?

In order to subpoena a person in a Nevada prison or jail, the party requesting the subpoena has to file a motion in court. This motion must include an affidavit that explains why the inmate’s testimony is necessary.

What is a subpoena in Nevada?

Subpoenas must be properly served in order to carry legal weight. A Nevada subpoena is a court order for a person to appear as a witness in a court matter. Nevada law has strict protocols for delivering a subpoena to a person. If these rules are not followed, the person named in the subpoena does not have to comply with it.

Do you have to attend a deposition in Nevada?

Nevada residents who are subpoenaed to appear at a deposition in Nevada are required to attend only if the deposition is either: where the person resides, where the person works, or. where the person transacts business in person.

Can a suspect give a statement to the police?

How are subpoenas served in ... “Suspects” Should Never Give a Statement to the Police. A Nevada subpoena is a court order for a person to appear as a witness in a court matter. Nevada law has strict protocols for delivering a subpoena to a person.

What is a subpoena violation?

Subpoena violations (contempt) Subpoenas are court-orders compelling witnesses to appear in court to testify. 1. Legal definition of subpoenas and “subpoenas duces tecums” in Nevada. A subpoena is a court order requiring the recipient to appear at a court proceeding to testify as a witness.

What are the penalties for subpoenas?

The penalties for contempt typically include: up to $500 in fines, and/or.

How long can you go to jail for a subpoena in Nevada?

The penalty typically includes: up to $500 in fines, and/or. up to 25 days in jail.

How far from where you were served to attend a deposition in Nevada?

Meanwhile, non-Nevada residents served with subpoenas to attend a deposition are required to go only if the proceeding is within 40 miles from where they were served (or another place the court determined to be appropriate). 2. 2. Form and contents of Nevada subpoenas.

How long can you be in jail for a grand jury?

A person so imprisoned as a result of his or her failure or refusal to testify before a grand jury may be imprisoned in the county jail for a period not to exceed 6 months or until that grand jury is discharged, whichever is less.

Do you have to subpoena a witness?

If a witness is willing to appear and promises to show up, then neither the prosecution nor defense attorney needs to formally subpoena the witness. 1.1. Depositions. It is rare that judges permit parties in a criminal case to conduct depositions, which usually occur only in civil cases or federal criminal cases.

Who can deliver subpoenas in Nevada?

Instead, the only people who can physically deliver subpoenas are: peace officers, or. anyone over 18-years-old who is not a party to the court case. Note that subpoenas generally may not be served through the mail except when the subpoena is for the person to attend a misdemeanor trial in Nevada.

What is a subpoena in court?

A subpoena is a legal order commanding the person or organization named in the subpoena to give sworn testimony at a specified time and place about a matter concerned in an investigation or a legal proceeding, such as a trial.

Who can issue a subpoena?

Subpoenas may be issued by the following people involved in the legal case associated with the subpoena: the judge presiding over the legal proceedings. the clerk of the court where the lawsuit has been filed. a private lawyer representing one of the parties in the lawsuit.

What are some examples of subpoenas?

Examples of subpoenas: Earthlink Subpoena, AutoAdmit Subpoena, Tice Subpoena, and IBM Subpoena. Subpoenas are not necessarily filed with the court, so if you have doubts about the document you've received, ask a lawyer or call the person who signed the document and ask if they have in fact sent a subpoena.

What is a subpoena in a letterhead?

However, a subpoena contains certain distinguishing characteristics. Look carefully at the document for: the full name of a court in the document's title, or letterhead. the word "Subpoena" in bold in the top third of the document. the words "you are commanded to report," or a similar variation. your name.

Why should I not wait until the date of my subpoena?

You should not wait until the date specified to make your objection known to the court. There are many valid reasons to object, the most common being: Improper service. The law requires that you receive (were "served") with the subpoena in a specified way.

Do you get a check before you appear in court?

The costs and fees are set according to the rules of the court named in the subpoena. Generally, in a civil case you should receive the cash or check before you have to appear. After you testify in a criminal case, you should receive an attendance fee and travel reimbursement.

Can close relatives testify?

both state and federal law grant close relatives immunity from testifying in certain situations. Because these protections vary according to each jurisdiction you will need to consult a lawyer, or perform your own legal research, to see whether any apply to your situation. Self-incrimination.

What is a subpoena in court?

A subpoena is an order made by a court at the request of a party to a court case that requires the recipient to either produce documents, attend court to give evidence, or both. The most common subpoena is for the production of documents. A subpoena for the production of documents will specify:

How do I serve a subpoena?

A subpoena must be served by giving it to an individual, or delivering it to the registered office of a company (including by post). If a subpoena is served after the date for service specified in the subpoena, you are not obliged to comply with it. You are also not obliged to comply with a subpoena unless conduct money (usually about $30) ...

What to do if you don't have a subpoena?

If you do not have any documents in the categories described in the subpoena, you can simply write and tell the court. You do not need to create documents to answer the subpoena. If you hold electronic documents you can either produce copies on a USB device or similar, or print them.

What is a subpoena in court?

A subpoena is actually a court order telling you to appear at a legal proceeding, so you must appear at the place and time designated on the subpoena.

What happens if you don't get a subpoena?

If you have not received a formal subpoena, and you are not a party to the lawsuit, you may refuse to appear at any proceeding. You are also not required to give any information to the police or any attorneys without first receiving a formal subpoena.

Can you refuse to testify in a civil case?

Otherwise, you may lose your right to refuse to testify.

Do you get paid for a subpoena?

In a civil case, the person serving the subpoena should give you cash or a check for these costs when you are served with the subpoena. In a criminal case, you will be paid after you travel to the designated place and testify as a witness.

3 attorney answers

You can subpoena everything. I think you need to have a lawyer handle this though. You are attempting to engage in very complicated and difficult litigation. Best of luck!

Matthew Vernon Silva

Very tough case given that you were indicted by a grand jury....but they say a prosecutor can have a grand jury indict a ham sandwich....if you have facts to support a complaint you may be able to get discovery of these documents. You may also try an FOIA request. More

Fred T Isquith

Can you pursue a malicious prosecution cause of action in NC when the probable cause was determined by a grand jury? Because that is what an indictment means--the grand jury found probable cause to believe you had committed a crime.