Criminal Defense Lawyers

Can You Ignore A Subpoena?

At Spodek Law Group, we understand that receiving a subpoena can be an intimidating and stressful experience. You may be wondering, “Can I just ignore this?” The short answer is no – ignoring a subpoena is never a good idea and can lead to serious legal consequences. In this article, we’ll explain what a subpoena is, the potential ramifications of not complying, and how our experienced attorneys can help guide you through the process.

What is a Subpoena?

A subpoena is a court-ordered command that requires you to either appear and testify as a witness or produce documents as evidence in a legal case. There are two main types of subpoenas:

1. Subpoena ad testificandum: A command to appear and give testimony
2. Subpoena duces tecum: A command to produce documents, materials, or other tangible evidence

Subpoenas can be issued in both civil and criminal cases by the court or by an attorney representing one of the parties involved in the case. If you receive a subpoena, it means that you have information that is considered important to the case.

Why You Can’t Ignore a Subpoena

Failing to comply with a subpoena can put you in contempt of court, which is a serious offense that carries steep penalties. Depending on the circumstances, ignoring a subpoena could lead to:

• Fines
• Jail time
• A bench warrant issued for your arrest
• A default judgment against you (in civil cases)
• Damage to your reputation and credibility

Even if you believe you have a good reason not to comply with the subpoena, simply ignoring it is never the right course of action. You must take appropriate legal steps to challenge or quash the subpoena if you object to it.

Consequences of Ignoring a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena

If you receive a federal grand jury subpoena, that means that you or someone you know or were affiliated with is the target of a federal criminal investigation by the Department of Justice. Grand jury secrecy is important. Ignoring a federal grand jury subpoena is a dangerous choice.The prosecutor acting on behalf of the grand jury can ask the court to hold an individual in civil contempt for refusing to comply with the subpoena. Unless extraordinary circumstances exist to justify the refusal, a court may order jail time until compliance with the subpoena is assured or the Grand Jury’s term ends, whichever comes first.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been served with a subpoena, your first step should be to contact an experienced attorney. At Spodek Law Group, our skilled attorneys can:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• Review the subpoena to determine its validity and scope
• Advise you on your legal rights and obligations
• Help you gather and prepare the requested documents or testimony
• Communicate with the party who issued the subpoena on your behalf
• File a motion to quash or modify the subpoena if there are legal grounds to do so
• Represent you in court if necessary

Having an attorney by your side can make the process much less stressful and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. We have extensive experience handling all types of subpoenas and know how to navigate the legal system effectively.

Grounds for Challenging a Subpoena

While you can’t simply ignore a subpoena, there are some situations where you may be able to challenge it. Some common grounds for quashing or modifying a subpoena include:

• The subpoena wasn’t issued or served properly
• The information requested is privileged (e.g. attorney-client privilege, doctor-patient privilege)
• The subpoena is overly broad, unduly burdensome, or harassing
• The information requested is irrelevant to the case
• You need more time to comply with the subpoena

If any of these situations apply, your attorney can file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena. The court will then review the motion and decide whether to uphold, modify, or reject the subpoena.

Tips for Dealing with a Subpoena

If you receive a subpoena, here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. Contact an attorney right away to discuss your options.
• Preserve any requested documents. Even if you plan to challenge the subpoena, you have a legal duty to preserve potentially relevant information.
• Don’t discuss the case with others. Anything you say could potentially be used against you. Direct any questions or communications to your attorney.
• Be honest and cooperative. If you do have to testify or provide documents, be truthful and cooperative. Lying or destroying evidence will only make your situation worse.
• Keep detailed records. Make copies of any documents you provide and keep a log of any actions you take in response to the subpoena.

Remember, a subpoena is a serious legal matter that requires your prompt attention. By working with an experienced attorney, you can ensure that you handle the situation properly and protect your rights.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group

At Spodek Law Group, we have a track record of successfully representing clients in all types of legal matters, including those involving subpoenas. Here are a few reasons why we believe we’re the right choice:

• Experience. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of the law. We know how to build strong cases and achieve positive outcomes.
• Client-centered approach. We treat every client with the utmost respect and personal attention. Your case will be our top priority.
• Aggressive advocacy. We aren’t afraid to fight for your rights, both in and out of the courtroom. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your interests.
• National presence. We have a nationwide network of attorneys and resources, allowing us to represent clients across the country.
• Free consultations. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can get the advice you need without any pressure.

When you work with Spodek Law Group, you can have confidence knowing that you have skilled legal advocates in your corner. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Don’t Face a Subpoena Alone – Contact Spodek Law Group Today

Receiving a subpoena can be a daunting experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Spodek Law Group, we’re here to help. Our experienced attorneys can review your case, advise you on your options, and provide the strong advocacy you need.