What is a subpoena?

A subpoena is a legal document issued by a court or other authority that requires a person to appear in court at a set time and date, or to produce certain documents or other items to the court. In North Carolina, a subpoena may be issued by a judge or clerk of court, the district attorney or attorney general, or another officer of the court. When a subpoena is issued, the recipient is legally required to appear in court and provide the requested documents or items. The recipient may also be required to testify in a case related to the evidence requested. It is a criminal offense to willfully disobey a subpoena, and a person who does so may be charged with contempt of court. Subpoenas can be used to compel evidence in a variety of cases, including criminal cases, civil cases, and juvenile delinquency cases. A person with knowledge of certain facts that may be important to a case may be subpoenaed to appear and testify in court. In addition, a person may be subpoenaed to produce documents or other tangible objects that are relevant to a case.

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