Criminal Defense Lawyers

Subpoena Crisis in Omaha? Formidable Legal Team at Your Service

Subpoena Crisis in Omaha: What You Need to Know

You’ve Been Served, Now What?

So, you just got served with a subpoena, and you’re not quite sure what to do next, right? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, it’s a confusing and stressful situation, but, take a deep breath, you’ve got this.A subpoena is a legal document that requires you to either testify in court or provide certain documents or evidence, it’s not something you can just ignore. Failing to comply can result in some pretty serious consequences like fines or even jail time for contempt of court. Yikes, I know, but, that’s why we’re here to walk you through it.

Understanding the Subpoena Basics

There are two main types of subpoenas you could receive:

1. A subpoena that requires you to testify, often called a “subpoena ad testificandum.” This means you have to show up in court or at a deposition and answer questions under oath.
2. A subpoena that requires you to bring documents or other evidence, known as a “subpoena duces tecum.” So, you don’t necessarily have to appear in person, but, you do have to provide the requested materials.

The subpoena itself should clearly state which type it is and what’s being asked of you. It will also give a date, time, and location for when/where you need to comply. Read it carefully, because, those details are important.Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But, what if I can’t or don’t want to comply?” We’ll get to that, but, first, let’s look at…

Why You Might Be Subpoenaed

There are a few common reasons why someone could be subpoenaed:

• You witnessed an event related to a court case, like a crime, accident, etc. The lawyers want your firsthand account.
• You have documents or evidence that’s relevant to the case, like records, photos, videos.
• You have specialized expertise that could help explain something to the judge/jury.
• You were involved in the events being litigated in some way.

So, even if you feel totally removed from the situation, there’s likely a reason you specifically were called to participate. The lawyers think you have some key piece of information.

The Consequences of Not Complying

Ignoring a subpoena is a big no-no, it’s considered contempt of court, which is a criminal offense, yikes. The consequences can include:

• Fines (which can get expensive fast)
• Jail time (yes, you read that right, you could go to jail)
• Having the subpoena enforced by law enforcement

Not fun, right? The court takes subpoenas seriously as a crucial part of the legal process. So, even if you really, really don’t want to get involved, just ignoring it isn’t an option, you have to respond properly.Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to comply fully, there are ways to legally object or try to modify the subpoena’s demands, more on that in a bit. But, you can’t just pretend you never got it, that’s a recipe for a world of legal trouble.

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

Your First Steps After Being Served

Okay, so you’ve been served, you get that you can’t just ignore it, now what? Here are the first things you’ll want to do:

1. Read the subpoena thoroughly and make sure you understand what’s being asked of you – testify, provide documents, or both?
2. Note the deadlines! There are strict time limits for responding.
3. Gather any relevant documents/evidence that’s being requested.
4. Start thinking about whether you have any valid legal objections to complying with the subpoena as-is.
5. Consider meeting with a lawyer to go over your options and obligations. This is highly recommended, especially if you’re unsure about anything.

Having a clear picture of what’s required and what your rights are will help guide your next moves.

Reasons You Might Object to a Subpoena

Just because you get a subpoena doesn’t mean you automatically have to comply with every single demand in it. There are several grounds for objecting:

• The subpoena is overly broad in scope (asking for way too much)
• Complying would be extremely burdensome or expensive
• The requested info is protected by privileges like attorney-client, doctor-patient, etc.
• The subpoena doesn’t allow enough time to gather everything
• You have no relevant info to provide

If you have valid objections, you can file a motion to modify or quash (cancel) the subpoena. This has to be done properly and on time though.

How to Legally Object or Modify

If you want to object or ask to modify some part of the subpoena, you’ll need to:

1. Put your objections in writing, clearly stating the reasons.
2. Work with the lawyer who issued the subpoena to see if you can reach a compromise informally first.
3. If not, you’ll likely need to file a motion with the court to modify or quash the subpoena, laying out your objections.
4. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise where possible. Maybe you can’t object entirely, but can get the scope reduced.
5. Act quickly! There are strict deadlines for objecting.

This is definitely a situation where having a lawyer’s help is highly advisable. The back-and-forth negotiating can get complicated.

What If I Still Have to Comply?

Even if your objections are denied or only partially successful, you may still have to provide testimony or documents per the subpoena. If that’s the case, here are some tips:

• Only provide what is specifically requested, nothing more
• For testimony, answer just the question asked, no extra details
• Carefully review all documents before producing them
• Never lie or mislead the court
• Remain calm and professional

Again, having a lawyer present can be invaluable for making sure you protect your rights while still meeting your legal obligations.

When to Seek Legal Counsel

Look, I get it, lawyers are expensive, and maybe you think you can handle this subpoena situation yourself. But, there are some scenarios where professional legal guidance is absolutely essential:

• If you plan to object or modify the subpoena at all
• If complying could potentially expose you to any legal risk
• If you really aren’t sure about the scope of what’s being asked
• If the case is particularly complex, high-stakes, or criminal in nature

Trying to go it alone runs the risk of making mistakes that could lead to hefty fines, contempt charges, or other fallout you’ll really want to avoid.

How a Lawyer Can Help

When you hire a lawyer to assist with a subpoena, they’ll be able to:

• Thoroughly review the subpoena’s demands
• Advise you on your rights and obligations
• Determine if you have grounds to object or modify
• Handle all negotiations and court motions
• Ensure you meet all deadlines
• Prepare you for any testimony you may have to provide
• Argue on your behalf to limit the scope of compliance
• Represent you if you face potential contempt charges
• And much more

Having that experienced legal advice can make a subpoena much less intimidating and overwhelming to deal with.

The Cost of Not Hiring a Lawyer

I know, I know, you’re thinking “But lawyers are so expensive!” And you’re not wrong, good legal representation doesn’t come cheap. However, the potential costs of not having a lawyer can be much, much higher:

• Steep fines for not responding properly
• Contempt charges that lead to jail time
• Being forced to spend more time/money complying than needed
• Accidentally disclosing privileged or sensitive info
• Missing key deadlines and having to start over
• Damaging your reputation or risking job consequences

When you add all of that up, hiring a lawyer is often the more cost-effective option in the long run. It’s about mitigating your risk.