What’s the Difference Between a Summons and a Subpoena?

Understanding Legal Notices: Essential Information for Your Legal Rights

Getting any kind of legal notice from the feds, or state government, in the mail can be stressful – whether it’s a summons, subpoena, or something else. But it’s important to stay calm and understand exactly what the notice means for you. The worst thing you can do at a moment like this is ignore it, or pretend it’ll go away. This notice has real ramifications. Our goal in this article is to explain the difference between a subpoena, and summons.

A summons and a subpoena are two of the most common types of legal notices, but they have very different purposes. Knowing the distinction between them is crucial, because how you respond can have major implications. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences so you can be prepared if you ever find yourself on the receiving end.

What is a Summons? Key Legal Definition and Purpose

A summons is a document that orders you to appear in court on a specific date and time. It is the start a lawsuit or criminal case against you.

The summons itself doesn’t provide many details – it just tells you when and where to show up. When you get a summons, it means you are being sued or charged with a crime. The actual complaint or charges will be included separately.

Types of Summonses in Federal and State Courts

There are a few different types of summonses:

• Civil summons – This starts a civil lawsuit, like for breach of contract, personal injury, etc. It comes from the plaintiff suing you.
• Criminal summons – This summons you to court to face criminal charges from the government. It’s often called a “desk appearance ticket” for lower-level crimes.
• Jury summons – This requires you to report for potential jury duty service.

No matter what kind it is, ignoring a summons is a really bad idea. Failure to appear can result in a default judgment against you in a civil case, or a warrant for your arrest in a criminal matter.

What is a Subpoena? Legal Requirements and Compliance

A subpoena, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to show up to court yourself. Instead, it compels you to either:

• Testify as a witness
• Produce certain documents or records

So a subpoena is just a demand for information or testimony related to a legal case that you’re not necessarily a party to. It can come from either the prosecution or defense.

Main Types of Subpoenas Under Federal Rules

There are two main types of subpoenas:

• Subpoena ad testificandum – This requires you to show up and give testimony about something you witnessed or have knowledge of. It’s asking you “to testify.”
• Subpoena duces tecum – This demands you hand over specified documents, records, data, or other evidence. It’s asking you “to bring with force of law.”

Basically, a subpoena doesn’t get you directly involved as a defendant or plaintiff. You’re just being called as a third-party to provide information relevant to someone else’s case. But not complying can lead to civil or criminal penalties for contempt of court.

Key Differences Between Summons and Subpoena

So in summary, the main differences are:

• A summons initiates a case against you as a defendant, while a subpoena just requests information from you related to another case.
• Ignoring a summons can result in serious legal consequences for you. Ignoring a subpoena can lead to fines or jail time for contempt of court.
• A summons requires you to physically appear in court, while a subpoena demands your testimony, records, or evidence.
• Summonses are issued by courts, while subpoenas can come from either the prosecution or defense in a case.

It’s a crucial distinction because the response required is totally different. With a summons, you need to show up and defend yourself. With a subpoena, you have to provide the requested information or explain why you can’t.

How to Respond to Legal Summons: Best Practices

If you receive a summons, you must respond or face the consequences. Here are some tips:

• Don’t ignore it – That’s the worst thing you can do. It will only make the situation much worse.
• Hire a lawyer immediately, especially for criminal charges. They can protect your rights.
• For civil cases, you’ll need to file a written response with the court. Your lawyer can do this. Federal rules require response within 20-30 days.
• Show up on your assigned court date and follow your lawyer’s guidance.

How to Respond to Federal Subpoenas: Compliance Guidelines

For a subpoena, you also can’t just ignore it. But you have a few more options:

• Comply and provide the requested testimony or evidence by the deadline.
• File a motion to quash or modify the subpoena if it’s unreasonable or overly broad.
• Explain if you truly don’t have the requested information or ability to comply.
• Hire a lawyer if you’re unsure of your rights or worried about implicating yourself.

The key is not to simply blow it off, or you could face contempt charges. But you may be able to negotiate or challenge it with the court’s approval. According to federal contempt statutes, penalties can include fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to six months.

When to Seek Legal Help for Summons or Subpoenas

Whenever you receive any kind of legal summons or subpoena, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced attorney right away. The stakes are high, and the legal procedures can be complex.

At the Spodek Law Group, our team of top federal defense lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience handling all types of summonses and subpoenas. We can review your specific situation, explain your rights and options, and ensure you respond appropriately to avoid any negative consequences.

Dealing with the law can be intimidating, but having the right legal representation makes a world of difference. Don’t go it alone – contact us today for the expert guidance you need.

Summons vs Subpoena FAQs: Common Questions Answered

What happens if I ignore a summons?

Ignoring a summons is ill-advised and can lead to serious legal consequences. In a civil case, you may have a default judgment entered against you. In a criminal matter, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Can I refuse to comply with a subpoena?

You cannot simply ignore a subpoena. However, you may be able to file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena if you have valid grounds, such as if it is unreasonable, overly broad, or violates your rights. Alternatively, you can explain your inability to comply.

Do I need a lawyer for a summons or subpoena?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, it is highly recommended, especially for criminal matters or complex cases. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, advise you on the best course of action, and represent you in court if needed.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

If you are facing criminal charges and cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a public defender or court-appointed lawyer. In civil cases, you may qualify for legal aid services based on your income.

Can a subpoena be issued for electronic data or emails?

Yes, subpoenas can compel the production of electronically stored information, such as emails, text messages, social media data, and other digital records, in addition to physical documents. Federal rules allow for electronic discovery.

What are the penalties for not complying with a subpoena?

Failure to comply with a valid subpoena can result in civil or criminal contempt of court charges, which may lead to fines or even jail time in some cases. Under federal law, criminal contempt can result in up to six months imprisonment.