What should you do if you receive a subpoena demanding your testimony or confidential documents?

For individuals and businesses alike, subpoenas can disrupt lives, strain resources, and raise serious legal concerns.

There are valid reasons to challenge or limit the scope of a subpoena — and understanding these options is critical to protecting your rights.

At Brownstone Law, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of subpoenas with strategic, client-focused solutions. Whether you’re a business owner facing an overly broad document request or an individual concerned about self-incrimination, our team provides the expertise needed to address your unique situation.

Let’s explore 5 valid reasons to get out of a subpoena and answer key questions like, can you ignore a subpoena in a civil case, or how do you get out of a subpoena. With insights tailored to property owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, you’ll learn how to respond effectively while minimizing risk.

1. Flawed Delivery

Was the subpoena served improperly? Learn how improper service can render a subpoena invalid.

2. No Legal Authority

Does the court have jurisdiction over you? Discover why out-of-state subpoenas may not always be enforceable.

3. Protected Information

Are you being asked to disclose confidential data? Find out how privileged laws can shield sensitive information.

4. Unreasonable Demand

Is complying with the subpoena too costly or burdensome? Explore how to challenge overly broad requests.

5. Fear of Self-Incrimination

Could your testimony expose you to criminal liability? Understand how invoking the Fifth Amendment can protect you.

Can You Ignore a Subpoena That Wasn’t Served Correctly?

If a subpoena isn’t served properly, it may not be enforceable. Proper service means the document was delivered to you in accordance with state and federal laws. For example, some jurisdictions require personal delivery by an authorized process server, while others allow service by certified mail.  

How to Subpoena Someone Properly

To ensure compliance, the party issuing the subpoena must follow strict rules:  

– Serve the subpoena within a reasonable timeframe.  

– Provide clear instructions and deadlines.  

– Comply with the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA) for out-of-state subpoenas.

48-Hour Motion to Quash Checklist

Gather proof of bad services, such as camera logs, HR records, etc.

Draft a short motion citing Rule 45.

File and serve within two business days.

If the judge agrees, the subpoena dies on arrival.

Do You Have to Respond to an Out-of-State Subpoena?

Courts can’t reach past their borders without following the UIDDA or state adoption statutes.

Interstate & Federal Reach Explained

UIDDA streamlines but still requires local re-issuance. Under the UIDDA and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45, out-of-state subpoenas often need to be domesticated through local courts.

Can You Refuse a Subpoena to Protect Sensitive Information?

You can’t be forced to reveal what the law keeps private. Certain information is protected by law and cannot be disclosed.

Attorney-Client, Doctor-Patient, Trade-Secret Shields

• Individuals can withhold private medical records.
• Business owners can refuse to disclose confidential trade secrets.
• Emails with counsel, health records, and proprietary algorithms.

Protective Orders Or Motions?

Protective Orders Or Motions? Both options safeguard sensitive data. Protective orders limit access to select parties, and motions to seal keep documents entirely confidential. Having a litigation and appeals lawyer by your side makes it easy for you to make the best approach based on your situation.

Undue Burden or Expense

What Happens When Your Business Receives an Overly Broad Subpoena?

Calculating “Undue Burden”

Item Requested	Hours to Collect	Direct Cost
5 years of emails	120	$6,000
Full server image	80	$4,500

If costs dwarf the case value, Rule 45 lets you push back.

For small businesses, producing thousands of documents could take weeks and cost thousands of dollars.

Our attorneys excel at negotiating narrower scopes. By working directly with opposing counsel, we reduce the volume of requested materials and save you money.

Risk of Self-Incrimination: How to Invoke the Fifth Amendment—Safely  

The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being forced to incriminate themselves. If testifying could expose you to criminal charges, you have the right to remain silent.

Pitfalls of Civil vs. Criminal Exposure

Invoking the Fifth Amendment is less common in civil cases. The chances are still possible if there are criminal implications. However, doing so incorrectly could harm your case.

What Happens If You Ignore a Subpoena? — Risks You Can’t Afford

Ignoring a subpoena is risky. Courts take non-compliance seriously and can impose harsh penalties, including fines, contempt charges, and even arrest warrants.

Contempt Powers, Fines, and Arrest Warrants

Failing to appear in court after being subpoenaed can result in arrest. Businesses face crippling sanctions, such as asset freezes or operational shutdowns.

Brownstone Law Advantage  

Your Fast-Track to Subpoena Relief

Navigating subpoenas doesn’t have to be stressful. At Brownstone Law, we provide personalized guidance every step of the way.

Bringing It All Together

A subpoena can feel like a sucker punch, but you’re not powerless. Perhaps the papers weren’t served by the book, the court lacks jurisdiction, the request invades privilege, the cost is unreasonable, or the testimony risks self-incrimination. Any one of those five flaws can swing the leverage back to you. At Brownstone Law, we dig into the fine print and talk you through every option—no jargon, just straight answers.

Wonder what that looks like for your situation? Schedule a free, 20-minute strategy call in the next 24 hours, and let’s turn today’s legal pressure into tomorrow’s advantage.

Rapid-Fire FAQs