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Can You Ignore A Subpoena?
Can You Ignore A Subpoena?
So you’ve been served with a subpoena, and your heart probably dropped into your stomach the moment you read the word ‘SUBPOENA’ in big, ominous letters. I get it—facing legal paperwork can be downright intimidating.
Most people wonder if they can just crumple it up and pretend they never saw it. The short answer? It’s best not to ignore a subpoena—because, in most cases, doing so can land you in more trouble than you ever bargained for.
A subpoena is a court-issued demand to either testify in a legal proceeding or to provide specific documents relevant to a case. Under federal law, Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure explains how subpoenas must be served, and it outlines your responsibilities once you receive one. States often follow a similar framework, so whether you’re in New York, California, or anywhere else, a subpoena is not a mere suggestion—it’s a legal command.
What happens if you ignore it entirely? You might face contempt of court charges—which, in many jurisdictions, can mean hefty fines, or even jail time in the worst scenarios. Contempt basically means you’re defying a court order, and courts take that very seriously.
Still, you might wonder if you have to answer every question asked or turn over every single document mentioned in the subpoena. Here’s the deal: you have rights and you can request certain modifications if you believe the subpoena is too broad, overly burdensome, or seeks privileged information. For example, if you receive a subpoena asking for thousands of pages of documents with only a few days’ notice, your attorney can file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena to make it more reasonable. The key is to respond—not to ignore.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand that even opening the mailbox can be scary when you’re worried about legal trouble. Our principal attorney, Todd Spodek, has made it his life’s work to provide transparent, top-tier defense in high-stakes matters—an ethos you might have caught a glimpse of when Netflix spotlighted his representation of Anna Delvey in 2022. He’s a second-generation lawyer who believes in putting clients’ needs first, combining a white glove standard of service with a modern, fully digital approach. We can represent clients across the country, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, because we know legal challenges don’t always respect state lines.
With our fully digital client portal, we make sure you can see every step of your case in real-time. You can upload documents, track progress, and message our team 24/7 from the comfort of your home. It’s part of our commitment to transparent fees, continuous communication, and a personalized approach that fits your needs.
If you’re unsure about what to do after receiving a subpoena, we’re here to walk you through every stage. The first step is often an in-depth review of the subpoena’s contents, the context of the legal matter, and any deadlines. We’ll look for any red flags—like overly broad requests or short, impossible timelines—and then develop a tailored defense strategy just for you. Our firm only takes on cases we genuinely believe we can help with, so if we decide to represent you, you’ll know we’re committed from day one.
From there, it’s all about thorough investigation and open communication. We believe in getting to the heart of the matter: analyzing the facts, exploring all legal angles, and building a robust plan of action. Every question you have is important, and we make ourselves available around the clock so you never feel left in the dark.
Sometimes a subpoena might land in your lap when you’re dealing with family disputes, workplace litigation, or even major federal investigations. I’ve seen people try to shrug it off, thinking, “Oh, they won’t follow up if I just don’t respond.” But in my experience, ignoring a subpoena only escalates the situation. Judges tend to view non-compliance as a blatant disregard for the justice system, and that can complicate your legal standing later.
So what should you do instead? Typically, you’d consult with an attorney the moment you receive a subpoena. That lawyer can help you understand the scope, timelines, and the best way to comply or challenge the subpoena. If the paperwork requires documents, they’ll guide you on how to collect and organize them properly; if testimony is needed, they’ll prepare you on what to expect in court or at a deposition.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even flat-out terrified about your subpoena, don’t hesitate to call us. We believe in approachable legal representation: from your first phone call to the final resolution, you’ll always know what to expect in terms of costs, timelines, and outcomes. That’s part of our promise: we value open, honest dialogue just as much as aggressive legal advocacy.
Of course, nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice for your specific situation. Every case is unique, and we encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your particular needs.
Remember: a subpoena isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a serious legal request that demands a serious response. We’re here to make sure you handle it the right way, with less fear and more confidence in your future.
Todd Spodek has shared his insights on legal matters with major outlets like the New York Post and Newsweek, demonstrating a commitment to staying visible and active in the public conversation. Whether your case requires a quiet, behind-the-scenes resolution or a forceful presence in court, we’ll adapt our approach to what serves you best.
(This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice regarding your individual situation, please contact an attorney.)