What may happen if a party ignores a subpoena?

• A. No consequences
• B. You may be held in contempt
• C. You will be jailed without due process
• D. You may be fined only

Answer: (B)

Subpoenas are court orders demanding appearance or the production of evidence. Ignoring one triggers the court’s contempt powers to enforce compliance. The party may be held in contempt, which is the formal mechanism courts use to compel obedience. Contempt sanctions can include fines or imprisonment, depending on whether the purpose is to coerce compliance (civil contempt) or to punish past disobedience (criminal contempt); due process protections still apply, with hearings and opportunities to comply. This makes the broad and accurate consequence “you may be held in contempt” the best answer.