Fighting Back: Legal Defenses Against Overly Broad Federal Subpoenas
Contents
- 1 Fighting Back: Legal Defenses Against Overly Broad Federal Subpoenas
- 2 Understanding Federal Subpoenas
- 3 Common Defenses Against Overly Broad Federal Subpoenas
- 4 Responding to an Overly Broad Federal Subpoena
- 5 Real-World Examples of Successful Subpoena Defenses
- 6 Protect Your Rights with Experienced Counsel
- 7 Resources
Fighting Back: Legal Defenses Against Overly Broad Federal Subpoenas
Receiving an overly broad federal subpoena can be an intimidating and stressful experience. However, there are legal defenses available to fight back against subpoenas that ask for more information than reasonably needed or allowable by law. This article provides an overview of common defenses lawyers use to quash or limit federal subpoenas.
Understanding Federal Subpoenas
A federal subpoena is a written order requiring an individual or organization to provide documents, testimony, or other information relevant to a federal investigation. Federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, and others have the power to issue subpoenas to further their investigations.However, federal subpoenas are subject to limitations under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. A subpoena cannot request information irrelevant to an investigation or impose an undue burden in compliance.If you receive a federal subpoena requesting records, information, or testimony, it’s essential to consult a lawyer to assess if the subpoena is overly broad. An experienced attorney can determine if grounds exist to fight the subpoena.
Common Defenses Against Overly Broad Federal Subpoenas
There are various legal defenses lawyers employ to combat overly broad federal subpoenas, including:
Lack of Relevance
Federal subpoenas must only request information relevant to an investigation. If a subpoena asks for records or testimony unnecessary or tangential to the investigation, an attorney can file a motion to quash based on lack of relevance.
Undue Burden
Complying with a federal subpoena may impose logistical difficulties and high costs on the recipient. If the burden of compliance far outweighs the subpoena’s benefit to the investigation, a lawyer can argue the subpoena is unreasonable.
Privilege Issues
Federal subpoenas cannot compel confidential information protected by attorney-client, doctor-patient, or spousal privilege. An attorney can file a motion asserting privilege over subpoenaed information.
Constitutional Rights Violations
A federal subpoena resulting in violations of your Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendment rights provides grounds for objection. For example, an attorney might claim a subpoena for business records violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Technical Errors
Simple technical errors in a federal subpoena, such as an expired date or improper service, may invalidate the subpoena.
Vagueness
If a subpoena’s requests are overly vague or ambiguous, an attorney can argue it’s impossible to comply fully. This vagueness may convince a judge to modify or quash the subpoena.
Responding to an Overly Broad Federal Subpoena
If you receive a federal subpoena requesting excessively wide-ranging information of questionable relevance, follow these steps:
Don’t Ignore It
It’s illegal to destroy subpoenaed records or refuse to comply without filing a court challenge. Failure to properly respond could lead to contempt of court charges.
Get Legal Help
Contact a lawyer with federal subpoena defense experience immediately. They can assess any defenses against the subpoena and represent your interests in court.
Negotiate Limitations
Your attorney can often negotiate modifications and limitations with the issuing agency. This agreement restricting the subpoena’s scope may avoid formal legal proceedings.
File Objections
If negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a motion to quash or modify the federal subpoena spelling out legal objections and defenses. A federal judge will review the motion and rule on the subpoena’s validity.
Consider an Appeal
If a judge denies objections to an overly broad subpoena, you still have the right to appeal that decision to a higher court. An attorney can advise you on grounds for appeal.
Real-World Examples of Successful Subpoena Defenses
Defense lawyers have succeeded in getting overly intrusive federal subpoenas quashed or limited using the above defenses:
- In a health care fraud investigation, prosecutors subpoenaed 10 years of patient records from a small clinic. The court ruled complying would place an unreasonable burden on the clinic, infringe on doctor-patient confidentiality, and the old records bore minimal relevance. The judge agreed to quash the subpoena.
- During an SEC insider trading investigation, the agency subpoenaed an employee’s entire work and personal email accounts. The employee’s lawyer successfully argued this unreasonably violated their privacy rights. The judge denied access to personal emails and required the SEC narrow its work email search.
- In an IRS audit of a small business, the IRS ordered the owner to provide all financial statements and communications for the past 6 years. The business owner’s lawyer asserted handing over so much documentation would essentially shut down operations. The judge agreed this was unduly burdensome and limited records to only highly relevant materials.
Protect Your Rights with Experienced Counsel
Receiving an expansive federal subpoena feels threatening, but legitimate legal defenses exist to protecting your rights and limiting government overreach. Partnering with an attorney experienced fighting federal subpoenas in court is essential to developing a strategy tailored to your unique situation. Don’t hesitate to call a lawyer if you’ve been served a subpoena requiring excessive or irrelevant records. An attorney can file a strong motion restricting the subpoena and stand by your side in asserting important constitutional protections. With competent representation, you can gain control over the situation and prevent disclosing overbroad information.
Resources
Articles and Guides
Videos
Case Law Precedent
- US v. Microsoft Corporation, 2016 (quashing overly broad SEC subpoena)
- In re Grand Jury Proceedings, 2001 (limiting subpoena on privilege grounds)