A subpoena duces tecum requires you to bring certain documents and things with you. Subpoenas may be issued by a court, by a grand jury, by a lawyer representing a party in a civil or criminal case, or by government agencies. All subpoenas have the authority of either a court or a statute behind them and carry the threat of punishment, fines and imprisonment for noncompliance. Nevertheless, compliance with a subpoena may not be required if the recipient convinces a court or an administrative authority that the subpoena's terms are unreasonable or oppressive. Note, however, that until formal steps are taken to limit the subpoena, compliance is technically required.
Subpoenas typically provide recipients with a few days to a few weeks' notice.
This notice period allows the recipient time to gather the requested information or to prepare to give testimony. Several regulatory agencies also have the authority to subpoena information, documents, reports, records, and accounts of companies who contract with the government or otherwise participate in federal programs. Failure to comply with an administrative subpoena may result in sanctions including exclusion or debarment from such programs. Each subpoena is issued in a unique factual context. The particular circumstances should be considered and reviewed with counsel to ensure an appropriate strategy is developed.