What is subpoena?
A subpoena is a legal document requiring someone to appear in court and provide evidence or testimony. It is issued by a court or an attorney representing one of the parties in a legal case. In Massachusetts, subpoenas are issued under the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure. A subpoena can be issued to any person or entity who is believed to have important evidence or testimony related to the case. For instance, a subpoena may be issued to a witness or a company to produce documents related to the case. The court or attorney will serve the subpoena to the individual or organization. The subpoena will have information such as the date and time of the court proceeding and the type of evidence or testimony requested. Once the subpoena is served, the individual or entity must comply with the subpoena. If the subpoena requires evidence or testimony, the individual will need to go to the court and appear before a judge to provide the evidence or testimony. If the individual or entity does not comply with the subpoena, they may be found in contempt of court and may face civil or criminal penalties. If the individual or entity fails to appear, the court may issue a warrant for their arrest. It is important to read the subpoena carefully and make sure to comply with the document, so you do not face any penalties for failing to follow the court’s instructions.
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