Criminal Defense Lawyers

Dealing with a Subpoena in Glendale, AZ? Dedicated Legal Minds by Your Side

Getting Subpoenaed in Glendale? Here’s What You Need to Know

So, you just got hit with a subpoena. Whether it’s for a criminal case, civil lawsuit, or some other legal proceeding, getting that official court document in the mail can be jarring, to say the least. But, take a deep breath. We‘re here to walk you through exactly what a subpoena means, and what your next steps should be.

What is a Subpoena?

Let’s start with the basics. A subpoena is a legal document issued by a court or other government entity that compels you to do one of two things:

1. Testify as a witness
2. Produce documents or other evidence

In other words, it’s the legal system’s way of saying “we need you to show up and share what you know.” Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not so fast.Subpoenas come in different forms, and how you respond can have major implications. Ignoring one altogether is a surefire way to find yourself in contempt of court – yikes. So, what do you do if you get hit with one of these things?

The Two Main Types of Subpoenas

There are two primary categories of subpoenas you need to be aware of:

1. Subpoena Ad Testificandum: This requires your testimony, typically at a deposition, hearing, or trial. It compels you to show up and answer questions under oath.
2. Subpoena Duces Tecum: With this type, you must produce specified documents, records, or other physical evidence. It’s not asking for your testimony directly, but rather the documents or items relevant to the case.

Sometimes, you’ll get a subpoena that requires both your testimony and the production of evidence. These are often called “Subpoenas Duces Tecum for Deposition” or something similar. Basically, it‘s a two-for-one special.Now, here’s where things can get tricky. The scope of what a subpoena covers, and how you need to respond, can vary significantly based on the specific details and circumstances. It’s critical that you read through the entire subpoena carefully and understand exactly what it’s asking of you.

But I Don’t Want to Testify/Provide Evidence!

We get it, getting subpoenaed is probably the last thing you want to deal with right now. Maybe you’re worried about missing work, or having to disclose personal or embarrassing information. Perhaps you fear potential legal implications for yourself based on what you might say.Here’s the hard truth: unless you have a valid legal reason, simply ignoring a subpoena is not an option. Doing so can quickly land you in serious hot water with fines or even jail time for contempt of court.With that said, you do have some rights when it comes to challenging or limiting the scope of a subpoena. A few potential grounds for pushing back include:

• The subpoena is overly broad or burdensome in what it’s asking for
• The requested testimony or evidence isn’t actually relevant to the case
• Providing the testimony or evidence would violate other legal privileges (more on this in a bit)

The process for challenging a subpoena can get complicated quickly. This is definitely an area where you’ll want to consult an experienced attorney to fully understand your options and protect your rights.

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

But What If I Just Can’t Comply?

In some cases, complying with a subpoena simply isn’t possible. Maybe the requested documents were destroyed in a fire, or a key witness is deceased and unable to testify. While you can’t ignore the subpoena entirely, you may be able to get it modified or quashed (cancelled) by explaining to the court why compliance is impossible.Again, having a skilled legal advocate in your corner is crucial here. They can properly lay out your arguments and evidence to the court, giving you the best chance at a favorable ruling.

I’ve Been Subpoenaed – Now What?

Okay, you‘ve read through the subpoena, you understand what it’s asking, and you don’t have a valid legal reason for non-compliance. So what’s next?First and foremost, don‘t panic. Being subpoenaed as a witness doesn‘t automatically mean you’re in legal trouble yourself. Take a deep breath and read through the details again carefully.Next, if you haven’t already, you’ll likely want to consult an attorney, especially if you’re being asked to testify. An experienced lawyer can fully explain your rights and responsibilities under the subpoena, and ensure you don’t accidentally say or do anything that could potentially incriminate you.They can also argue on your behalf for things like:

• Reimbursement for any reasonable costs incurred from complying (e.g. travel expenses, missing work)
• Limiting the scope of the subpoena if it’s overly broad
• Asserting legal privileges that may apply (more on this next)
• And in some cases, getting the entire subpoena withdrawn if there are substantive issues with it

Having a subpoena doesn‘t mean you’re entirely at the mercy of the court or legal system. With the right representation, you can make sure your rights are fully protected.

What About Legal Privileges?

Certain legal privileges may allow you to avoid testifying or producing certain evidence, even if you’ve been subpoenaed. Some of the most common ones include:

Attorney-Client Privilege: This covers private communications between you and your lawyer for the purpose of legal advice or representation. It’s a powerful privilege that generally prevents this information from being disclosed.

Spousal Privilege: In most cases, this prevents one spouse from being forced to testify against the other in a criminal proceeding. It promotes open communication within marriages.

Doctor-Patient Privilege: With some exceptions, this can protect the confidentiality of your private medical information and communications with physicians and other healthcare providers.

5th Amendment Protection: This constitutional right allows you to avoid giving testimony that could potentially incriminate you in a criminal matter. However, it generally can’t be used to avoid producing documents or physical evidence.There are other privileges that may apply as well, such as those covering members of the clergy, journalists and their sources, and more. The key is understanding what information may be covered, and properly asserting the privilege if needed.Your attorney can guide you through this process and ensure you don’t inadvertently waive any privileges you may be entitled to.

Handling the Deposition or Testimony

If you do end up having to testify or give a deposition, preparation is key. Your lawyer can walk you through potential questions, remind you of what information needs to remain confidential, and ensure you understand all the formalities of being a witness.A few quick tips:

• Always tell the truth, but be careful about voluntarily offering up extra information
• If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification – don’t guess
• For yes/no questions, keep your answers concise unless you need to explain further
• If you need a break at any point, say so – this allows you to confer privately with your attorney

Testifying can certainly be stressful, but try to relax, listen carefully to each question, and provide clear and truthful responses. With proper preparation, you’ve got this.

When to Hire a Lawyer

As you’ve probably gathered by now, there are many situations where retaining a skilled legal professional is highly advisable if you’ve been subpoenaed:

• If you need to challenge the subpoena or limit its scope
• If you’re concerned about protecting privileged information
• If you may need to invoke your 5th Amendment rights
• If you’re being asked to testify or give a deposition
• If there’s any chance you could face criminal charges or civil liability based on your compliance

Even if the subpoena seems relatively straightforward, it never hurts to have an experienced attorney review it and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities fully. The risks of getting it wrong can be severe.

The Spodek Law Group – Subpoena Experts at Your Service

Look, we get it – dealing with subpoenas is probably the last thing you want to deal with right now. But whether it’s for a criminal matter, civil case, or other legal proceeding, you need to take it seriously. The consequences of non-compliance can range from fines and contempt charges all the way up to jail time. It’s just not worth the risk.That’s where the Spodek Law Group comes in. Our team of top-notch attorneys has extensive experience handling all types of subpoenas and protecting our clients’ rights every step of the way. We know this process inside and out, and we’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you’re treated fairly.From challenging overbroad or improper subpoenas, to asserting applicable privileges, to fully preparing you for any testimony or depositions, we’ve got you covered. We understand how stressful and confusing this situation can be. But with our experts in your corner, you can rest assured your interests will be zealously advocated for.Facing a subpoena is no simple matter. But with the right legal strategy and representation, it doesn’t have to derail your life either. The path forward starts with a call to the Spodek Law Group. Our team is standing by 24/7 to discuss your specific situation and chart the best course of action. Because in our book, every client deserves tenacious advocacy and a fair shake – no exceptions.