How should I handle a situation where the subpoena involves family members or colleagues?

| by Max Soni

Last Updated on: 6th October 2025, 12:48 am

If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. We have over 50 years of combined experience, and our team has experience dealing with some of the toughest legal issues nationwide — including when someone close to you, like a spouse, sibling, child, or even a co-worker, gets subpoenaed.

This is one of the worst situations you can face. Not only are you dealing with your own legal problems – now the government is dragging your loved ones into it. Let me be straight with you: this is when things get really complicated, and you absolutely need attorneys who get it.

Why Subpoenas for Family or Colleagues Happen

Under Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, both prosecutors and criminal attorneys can force witnesses to appear in court, hand over documents, or both. The government does this to build its case or gain new evidence – and they don’t care who they hurt in the process.

When the subpoena is due to a federal crime — like mail fraud, wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), or conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) — the Department of Justice may be involved. What does that mean for you? Stricter sentencing guidelines, aggressive prosecutors, and a more complicated legal process. These aren’t state prosecutors with limited budgets – these are federal agents with unlimited resources who want to take you down.

Because federal and state laws are different, sometimes each jurisdiction can investigate you separately, or charge you separately (Heath v. Alabama, 474 U.S. 82). That’s right – you could face charges in both systems for the same conduct. This is why it’s crucial to have a criminal defense lawyer who understands federal AND state procedures.

At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled both. Remember when Netflix made that series about our client Anna Delvey? That case had both state and federal implications – complex financial crimes that crossed jurisdictions. We navigated all of it successfully.

Managing Privileges and Family Concerns – It’s More Complicated Than You Think

When your spouse is subpoenaed, marital privilege might come up (Trammel v. United States, 445 U.S. 40). But here’s what most lawyers won’t tell you – these marital privileges aren’t absolute. They’re full of exceptions and loopholes the government loves to exploit.

If your spouse is under investigation for charges similar to the ones you’re accused of? That can limit the protection you both have. The government will try to flip one spouse against the other – I’ve seen it happen countless times.

If your child or sibling is subpoenaed, we understand how stressful this can be. Your kid didn’t ask for this. Your brother or sister shouldn’t be dragged into your problems. We pride ourselves on having an amazing team of attorneys who can help you navigate this – and protect your family while we’re at it.

Our Strategy – Fighting Back Against Government Overreach

We’ll see if there’s a way to quash or narrow the scope of the subpoena. We look at every aspect:

• Is the subpoena too broad? The government loves to go fishing
• Is it violating your rights under the Fourth Amendment? They often overstep
• Are they just trying to pressure you through your loved ones? Classic tactic

We take a strategic approach, always keeping your well-being – and your family’s – in mind. Unlike other law firms who just file paperwork and hope for the best, we actually fight.

Navigating Colleague Subpoenas – Your Job Is Now at Risk Too

A subpoena to a colleague can involve some of the toughest legal issues nationwide. Now you’re not just worried about criminal charges – you might face questions from your boss or HR, and you may worry about your job if the investigation expands.

Think about it: your co-worker gets dragged into court, has to testify about you, misses work for depositions – how long before your employer decides you’re more trouble than you’re worth?

Our only goal is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished. If you’re dealing with federal charges like white-collar crimes — wire fraud, money laundering, or business-related conspiracy — federal prosecutors can be relentless. They have unlimited resources, and they’ll use them.

We’re also prepared to negotiate with prosecutors if that’s in your best interest. Sometimes, the best defense is knowing when to make a deal – but only when it actually protects you.

Key Defense Strategies That Actually Work

Every client’s situation is different, but here are common defense scenarios we use:

Motion to Quash or Modify Subpoena

• We argue the subpoena is too broad, unreasonable, or violates privileges
• We use the Fourth Amendment to question how investigators got the evidence
• We examine Fifth Amendment concerns if there’s a risk of self-incrimination
• Most lawyers don’t even try this – we do it regularly

Privilege Claims for Family Members

• We research how spousal or other privileges apply – and there are more than you think
• If your loved one is just a bystander, we show the government their testimony isn’t critical
• We make the prosecutors work for every piece of evidence

Illegal Searches and Seizures

• If the government overstepped when getting documents or digital data, we push to suppress that evidence (Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643)
• This can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed if the prosecution loses key proof
• The government cuts corners all the time – we catch them

Negotiated Cooperation

• Sometimes, your colleague or a relative wants to cooperate to protect themselves
• We make sure you aren’t exposed to new charges or used as a bargaining chip
• We control the narrative, not the prosecutors

Multiple Defendants, Different Interests

• If your co-worker or family member faces charges too, we coordinate defenses carefully
• We address potential conflicts so that everyone’s rights remain secure
• This is where having experienced attorneys matters – juggling multiple interests without dropping the ball

What to Avoid – Don’t Make These Mistakes

Never ignore a subpoena that you get in the mail. If you ignore the subpoena, this can lead to contempt charges or obstruction of justice accusations. Now you’ve got two problems instead of one.

Don’t hide evidence, and don’t pressure anyone not to testify – this is a crime. If you hide the evidence, it opens you up to additional criminal liability. I’ve seen clients turn a winnable case into a disaster by trying to “help” themselves this way.

Don’t talk to your family members or colleagues about their testimony. The government will claim you’re tampering with witnesses. Even innocent conversations can be twisted against you.

If you believe the subpoena is flawed, or too broad – and most of them are – let the Spodek Law Group attorneys determine whether there’s a valid legal basis to challenge it. Don’t try to be your own lawyer.

We Are Here 24/7 To Help You

At Spodek Law Group, our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case. We are available 24/7 because we know time is critical – the government doesn’t stop at 5pm, and neither do we.

During our risk-free consultation, you can ask us anything, regardless of how long the process takes. We’re not watching the clock – we’re focused on understanding your situation and figuring out how to protect you and your loved ones.

If you’re facing a federal subpoena, we can help you. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case – we can help you. Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.

Why Spodek Law Group?

Look, I’m Todd Spodek. This is my firm, my reputation on the line with every case. When the government starts subpoenaing your family and colleagues – they’re trying to isolate you, pressure you, make you feel like you have no options.

You do have options. We’ve handled cases where the government subpoenaed entire families, whole departments at companies, everyone our client knew. We know their tactics, and more importantly – we know how to fight back.

Unlike other law firms that see federal subpoenas and run scared, we see opportunity. Opportunity to challenge overreach, to expose government misconduct, to protect not just you but everyone you care about.

We’re not a mill that takes every case. We’re selective because when we take your case, we’re taking on your whole situation – including protecting your family and colleagues from government intimidation.

The Bottom Line

When the government starts issuing subpoenas to your loved ones and co-workers, they’re sending a message: “We’re coming for everything and everyone you care about.”

Our message back? “Try us.”

Call Spodek Law Group now: 888-724-4815

Stop letting the government use your family and friends as weapons against you. Every day you wait, they’re building their case, pressuring your loved ones, destroying your relationships.