Criminal Defense Lawyers

Does A Subpoena Mean You Are In Trouble?

What Exactly is a Subpoena?

At its core, a subpoena is a court order demanding you take a specific action. It’s not a request, it’s a command. Ignoring one can lead to fines or even jail time for contempt of court. There are two main categories of subpoenas:

1. Subpoena Ad Testificandum – This requires you to show up and testify somewhere, like at a deposition, trial, or other legal proceeding. It’s a “subpoena to testify.”
2. Subpoena Duces Tecum – This demands you produce certain documents, records, or other physical evidence. It’s a “subpoena for production of evidence.”

Some subpoenas order you to do both – testify and supply documents or data. These are often called “Subpoenas for Testimony and Production of Documents.” The subpoena itself is an official court document that lays out exactly what you need to do and by when. It will specify things like:

• The court case or investigation it relates to
• The date, time, and location you need to appear
• What specific documents or evidence you need to bring
• Which parties in the case requested the subpoena
• Penalties for failure to comply

So in essence, a subpoena gives you your marching orders. It’s not accusing you of anything, it’s just compelling you to take certain actions because you likely have information relevant to the legal matter.

Why Would I Get a Subpoena? I’m Not Involved in This Case!

You’re right, most subpoena recipients aren’t actually parties to the lawsuit or under investigation themselves. They’re what’s called third-party witnesses. The parties involved in a legal case often need to gather evidence from people or organizations on the outside who might have useful testimony or records. That’s where subpoenas come in. For example, if there’s a criminal fraud case, prosecutors might subpoena bank employees to testify about the defendant’s financial transactions. Or in a civil case about a car accident, the lawyers may subpoena the mechanics who worked on the vehicles to get maintenance records. As a third party, you could be summoned if:

• You witnessed part of the event in question
• You have professional knowledge relevant to the case
• Your company has documents or data being requested
• You employed or had a relationship with someone involved
• You possess evidence that could prove or disprove certain facts

The key thing to remember is that just because you’re subpoenaed, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. The parties need your information to try and get to the truth of what happened.

I’ve Been Subpoenaed – Now What?

Okay, so you understand what a subpoena is and why you might receive one. But what should your next actions be? Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Don’t Panic – As we said, this isn’t an accusation of wrongdoing against you. It’s just a request for information or testimony. No need to freak out.
2. Read it Carefully – Make sure you understand exactly what the subpoena requires you to do, where to go, and by when. Note any specifics about documents to produce.
3. Don’t Ignore It – Subpoenas aren’t optional requests. Blowing one off can have serious legal consequences like contempt charges, fines, or even jail time.
4. Consider Your Options – You may be able to file objections about scope, timing, evidence required, or other issues with the subpoena. More on that in a bit.
5. Comply or Seek Legal Help – If the subpoena seems valid, your best options are usually to follow the instructions or consult a lawyer for assistance on properly responding.

The worst thing you can do is just not show up or refuse to provide requested documents and records. That’s a surefire way to land in hot water real quick.

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

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2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

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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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But I Don’t Want to Get Involved! Can I Object?

In some cases, you may have legitimate reasons why you shouldn’t have to fully comply with a subpoena. For example:

• The requested evidence or testimony is privileged or confidential
• Complying would be overly burdensome or expensive
• You don’t actually possess some of the materials requested
• The subpoena is vague, overbroad, or seeks irrelevant information

If valid objections exist, you can file a motion to quash (cancel) or modify the subpoena’s scope with the court that issued it. This has to be done in a timely manner and with proper legal arguments. You may also be able to negotiate with the party who requested the subpoena. For instance, they may agree to limit the documents you need to produce if you make a good faith effort. However, you can’t just unilaterally decide not to comply. Any objections should be made through proper legal channels. Otherwise, you could risk being held in contempt of court for ignoring the subpoena.

What If I Just Don’t Have the Requested Evidence?

If you legitimately don’t possess some or all of the documents or evidence demanded by the subpoena, you need to formally state that. This is often done by submitting a sworn affidavit to the court.In the affidavit, you’ll declare that you conducted a thorough, good faith search for the requested materials and simply don’t have them in your custody or control. As long as this is truthful, the court should excuse you from having to produce those items. The key is notifying the requesting party properly and following any required procedures. You can’t just ignore those portions of the subpoena without explanation.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Deal With a Subpoena?

While you can respond to a subpoena yourself in some straightforward situations, it’s generally wise to have an experienced attorney assist you, especially if:

• You need to file objections or negotiate the subpoena’s scope
• The requested evidence is sensitive, privileged or confidential
• You need to submit any sworn affidavits or statements
• The subpoena is part of a criminal proceeding against someone else
• You’re concerned about potential liability from your testimony

A lawyer understands the legal procedures and rules around subpoenas. They can make sure you protect your rights while still meeting your obligations. This reduces your risk of making costly mistakes. Many attorneys will also represent third-party subpoena recipients pro bono (without charging fees) in certain cases. So it’s worth exploring your options.

I’m Just a Fact Witness – Do I Still Need a Lawyer?

Yes, even if you’re a relatively unimportant fact witness, having legal guidance can be valuable. Your lawyer’s role is to make sure you:

• Understand the subpoena’s requirements fully
• Only provide what’s properly requested and no more
• Prepare adequately for any depositions or testimony
• Raise any appropriate objections about scope or timing
• Avoid any potential liability from your statements
• Follow all required legal procedures to the letter

Testimony in legal cases can be tricky, even if you’re just a neutral third party. One small mistake could cause big headaches. An attorney helps protect your interests.

What If I Need to Testify? How Do I Prepare?

If you receive a subpoena requiring you to testify at a deposition or trial, thorough preparation is crucial. This is an area where a lawyer is highly advisable.Your attorney can walk you through the process, like:

• Reviewing any documents you need to bring
• Anticipating questions you may face
• Practicing your testimony thoroughly
• Understanding procedures and courtroom rules
• Developing strategies to safeguard your interests
• Avoiding any statements that could expose you to liability

They’ll ensure you understand the applicable laws and facts completely. You’ll be ready to provide clear, concise testimony that’s truthful and accurate. The key is staying calm, listening carefully to each question, and answering directly without embellishment. Experienced lawyers can coach you on proper demeanor and responses.

What About Privileged or Confidential Information?

In some cases, the evidence or testimony requested by a subpoena may include privileged or confidential information you have a legal duty to protect, such as:

• Trade secrets or proprietary business information
• Personal data covered by privacy laws
• Details about an employee’s medical condition
• Communications between lawyers and clients
• Sensitive government records or intelligence

If turning over this type of information would violate a legal privilege or confidentiality obligation, you can file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena. Your lawyer can argue the subpoena is overbroad or improperly demands privileged materials. The court then has to determine if the requested information is indeed covered by a recognized privilege. If so, you may be excused from producing it or allowed to redact sensitive portions.

I Don’t Have Money for a Lawyer – Now What?

For many individuals or small businesses, hiring a lawyer to deal with a subpoena just isn’t financially feasible. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.If you truly cannot afford private legal counsel, you have a few potential options:

• See if you qualify for a public defender or legal aid society – These provide free representation to low-income individuals in certain cases.
• Ask the court to waive or reduce fees – Some courts have procedures to help indigent parties avoid costs like filing fees, service fees, etc.
• Represent yourself as best you can – This is risky, but sometimes unavoidable if you have no other choice. Do extensive research and preparation.
• Seek pro bono assistance – Some law firms and attorneys will take on subpoena cases pro bono (free) if the situation merits it.

The bottom line is that lack of money doesn’t automatically prevent you from responding properly to a subpoena. But it does increase your risk if you have to navigate the process alone.

What If I Don’t Respond At All?

Ignoring a subpoena is never a good idea. It’s not a request, it’s a legally binding court order. There can be severe consequences like:

• Being held in contempt of court
• Facing fines or monetary sanctions
• Potential arrest and jail time
• Having a judgment entered against you by default
• Being forced to pay the requesting party’s legal fees

Basically, blowing off a subpoena shows disrespect for the court’s authority. And they have broad powers to punish that type of non-compliance. The requesting party may also be able to seek a court order compelling your cooperation. At that point, you’ve lost leverage to negotiate or object. So unless you have a very well-founded legal basis, it’s almost always advisable to respond in some manner, even if it’s to file objections. Staying silent is one of the worst things you can do.

What If I Accidentally Screw Something Up?

Dealing with subpoenas and providing testimony can be stressful, complex affairs. Even with the best intentions, you could make a mistake like:

• Forgetting to include some requested documents
• Showing up late for a scheduled deposition
• Misspeaking and contradicting previous statements
• Failing to follow certain court procedures properly

If you catch the error promptly, you may be able to correct it without any serious repercussions, especially if you have a lawyer advocating for you. But in some cases, mistakes in responding to a subpoena could open you up to potential liability or sanctions from the court. It all depends on the specific circumstances. That’s why having experienced legal guidance is so valuable. It reduces your chances of making critical errors that cause you avoidable headaches and hassles.

What If I’m Subpoenaed for a Criminal Case?

While the general rules for responding to subpoenas apply in both civil and criminal matters, there are some special considerations if yours relates to an active criminal prosecution:

• You may need to invoke your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination to avoid potentially incriminating yourself through documents or testimony
• Law enforcement may try to pressure you into becoming a witness against friends, family, or associates
• The consequences for non-compliance are typically much harsher in criminal cases
• You’ll likely want legal counsel to advise you, even if you’re just an unrelated third party

The stakes are simply higher when criminal charges are involved. An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the process while protecting your rights.

What If It’s a Federal Subpoena? Is That Different?

Yes, there are some key distinctions when dealing with a subpoena issued by a federal agency, court, or grand jury as opposed to a state or local one:

• Federal subpoenas cover a broader geographic range and may require you to travel longer distances to comply
• The rules and procedures for objecting or filing motions are dictated by federal law and court rules
• Punishments for non-compliance, like contempt, are typically more severe
• You may need to provide testimony or evidence related to potential federal crimes or national security matters
• Privileges like attorney-client privilege are defined and applied based on federal precedent

Overall, federal subpoenas tend to carry more weight and complexity. This is another scenario where retaining a lawyer well-versed in federal practice is highly advisable.

What Does All This Mean for Me?

Look, we get it – getting subpoenaed out of the blue can be jarring and more than a little stressful. But try to keep calm and approach it logically. A subpoena is not an accusation against you. It’s simply a legally-binding directive to provide information relevant to some type of official proceeding. As long as you respond properly, you likely have nothing to fear.That said, you can’t just ignore a subpoena or blow off your legal obligations. That’s a surefire way to find yourself in hot water facing contempt charges, fines, or worse. The best approach is typically to:

1. Carefully review and understand exactly what the subpoena requires of you
2. Raise any legitimate objections on time if the requests are improper
3. Gather all non-privileged, responsive documents and evidence
4. Prepare thoroughly for any testimony with the aid of an attorney
5. Comply fully unless you have proper legal grounds not to

It’s a process, no doubt. But it doesn’t have to be panic-inducing if you take it step-by-step and know your rights. Experienced legal counsel can make it much smoother. At the end of the day, a subpoena is just part of our judicial system’s efforts to uncover truth and facts. If you’ve done nothing wrong, complying with one is simply doing your civic duty as a citizen. So try to keep that perspective. You’ve got this! And if you need any professional guidance, our top-notch legal team at Spodek Law Group is here to help.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. One that will leave no stones unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what you get – a team of aggressive, battle-tested litigators with a track record of success. We understand that dealing with the legal system is an incredibly stressful, high-stakes situation. That’s why we take a hands-on, detail-oriented approach from day one. We’ll research every facet of your charges, pouring over evidence and facts to craft a comprehensive defense strategy. Our attorneys hold regular case meetings to ensure no angle is overlooked.And if an emergency arises, you have direct access to our full legal team 24/7. We’re always just a call away, ready to protect your rights and interests. Many clients come to us feeling embarrassed or ashamed about their situation. But we encourage complete transparency so we can provide the best counsel. You’ll never get judged, only top-tier legal advocacy.The bottom line – we have the expertise and resources to handle even the most complex cases anywhere in the country. So if you or a loved one has been subpoenaed, accused of a crime, or is under investigation, take the first step and schedule a consultation today.It’s simple. Every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. That’s the Spodek Law Group way.