A subpoena is a legal document that tells you that you have to do something, like show up in court or bring certain papers. It comes from a judge or a government office, and you can’t just ignore it. If you don’t do what it asks, you could get in trouble, like paying a fine or being held in contempt of court.

What are the most common types of subpoenas?

There are a few different kinds of subpoenas, depending on what’s needed. You might get one from a judge asking you to come to court, one from a government office asking for records, or one that has you talk about what you know outside the courtroom, like at a lawyer’s office. Each type just tells you what you need to do and when.

What is a witness subpoena?

A witness subpoena is a paper that tells you to come to court on a certain day and time because you saw or know something important about a case. For example, if you saw an accident happen, you might get one so you can tell the court what you saw.

What does subpoena duces tecum mean?

This is just a fancy way of saying you need to bring certain papers, records, or other things with you. For example, if you’re involved in a case, you might be told to hand over things like medical records, photos, or emails. You have to give them what they ask for, even if you don’t have to show up in person to talk.

What should I do if I receive a subpoena?

If you get a subpoena, don’t panic. Read it carefully to see exactly what it’s asking you to do, when, and where. Make sure you do what it says—ignoring it will only make things harder. If you’re not sure what they want or you’re worried about what’s being asked, seek legal help immediately.

Subpoena Definition | Legal Glossary

April 7th, 2026

Andrew S. Kryder, abogado.

Jargon in the legal world can be confusing—too often, important information is made more complicated than it needs to be. Andrew Kryder, Esq., founding partner of our personal injury law firm, created this legal glossary to make complex legal terms easy to understand. This article will explain what a subpoena means and will provide examples of how subpoenas are used.

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¿Qué es una citación judicial?

A subpoena is a formal, written order issued by a government agency or a court clerk. It legally requires an individual to take a specific action. Most often, this action involves testifying in a legal setting or producing physical evidence for a case.

A subpoena is a legal command that you cannot simply ignore. If you fail to comply with this order, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines or being held in contempt of court.

Common Types of Subpoenas

Types of Subpoenas

There is not just one type of subpoena. Depending on what the court or the attorneys need from you, you might receive a specific kind of order. Understanding the meaning of such a subpoena helps you know exactly what is expected of you.

Judicial Subpoena

A judicial subpoena is a formal written request issued directly by a judge or court during a legal proceeding. This type of subpoena may require a person to appear at a court hearing, give testimony (Subpoena Ad Testificandum), or produce documents and evidence vital to a case. Judicial subpoenas are a key part of the court’s authority to gather information and are enforceable by law. If you receive a judicial subpoena, it’s important to comply fully and respond by the deadline.

Administrative Subpoena

An administrative subpoena is issued by a government agency rather than a court. These subpoenas are often used in regulatory or investigative matters and can require a person or organization to provide documents, produce records, or give other information related to an ongoing inquiry.

Witness Subpoena

A witness subpoena is an order requiring you to appear in court on a specific date and time to testify at a trial or hearing. If you saw a car crash or have direct knowledge of a personal injury incident, attorneys may issue a witness subpoena so you can share your account of the events before a judge or jury.

Subpoena Duces Tecum

This Latin phrase translates roughly to “bring with you under penalty.” It requires you to produce specific documents, records, or physical evidence. For a personal injury case, this might mean handing over medical records, company emails, photographs, or income statements. You may or may not have to testify in person, but you absolutely must provide the requested materials.

Deposition Subpoena

A deposition subpoena orders a person to appear at a specific time and place to provide sworn testimony outside of a courtroom, usually in a law office. This process is part of the discovery phase of a lawsuit. Both sides use the deposition subpoena to find out what a witness knows before the actual trial begins.

Grand Jury Subpoena

Grand jury subpoenas are used in criminal cases in the discovery process to gather evidence and to request documents or testimony in order to determine whether there is sufficient cause to bring formal charges.

What to Do If You Receive a Subpoena

Receiving a legal document like a valid subpoena in the mail or from a process server can induce anxiety, but there is no need to panic. The first step is to read the document carefully. Note the date, time, and specific location you need to appear (or the exact documents the subpoena requires).

Do not ignore it. Ignoring a court order will only create larger problems. If you are unsure about what the requesting party is asking you to do, or if you feel that providing the requested information might harm you, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately.

Subpoena Definition — Andrew Kryder, Esq. explains what a subpoena means and will provide examples of how subpoenas are used.

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Subpoena Definition