Which statement about subpoenas is true?

• A. Subpoenas can be ignored without penalties
• B. Subpoenas are issued by the defendant
• C. A subpoena is a court order that may subject you to contempt for noncompliance
• D. A subpoena can require only testimony, never documents

Answer: (C)

Subpoenas are court commands that require a person to appear to testify or to produce documents or other evidence. Because they carry the force of a court order, failure to comply can lead to contempt of court and penalties such as fines or jail time. That’s why the statement describing a subpoena as a court order that may subject you to contempt for noncompliance is true.

Subpoenas cannot be ignored without penalties, they aren’t issued solely by the defendant, and they can require either testimony, documents, or both (there are different forms, like those for testimony and those for producing records). If you have concerns about scope or privileges, you can seek relief, but the basic rule remains that a subpoena is enforceable and noncompliance can lead to contempt.