Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 7, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
A subpoena is a court order, not a request. It can require you to testify or hand over documents. Ignore it and you risk fines or jail. But you have rights: you can object or ask a court to cancel or narrow a subpoena you think is unfair or improper. Read it carefully and note the deadline.
Skipping a subpoena without a valid legal reason can lead to a contempt finding, which carries fines, sanctions, or jail. Courts enforce subpoenas strictly.
If the subpoena is too broad, too burdensome, or demands privileged information, file a motion to quash or modify it. A judge decides whether the request is reasonable.
A "subpoena ad testificandum" orders you to testify. A "subpoena duces tecum" orders you to produce documents or records. The rules for complying and objecting differ for each.
You can respond and still assert privileges, like attorney-client privilege or the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. A lawyer can help you sort out what to produce and what to withhold.
The window to file objections is often just days. Don't wait until the compliance date to act.
More on this topic: the Going to Court hub
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.