What’s the difference between a summons and a subpoena?
Both are documents issued by the court, but they are different.
What’s a summons?
Generally a summons is a notice to a person that legal proceedings have begun.
So if a person is sued and finds themselves being a defendant in a lawsuit, the court will issue a summons to that person telling them that.
What’s a Subpoena?
A subpoena is much more detailed and is the court requiring a person to appear in court (on a specific day) and/or for the person to produce something in particular (documents, a cell phone, photos, video, etc.).
What’s your duty as a process server?
Weather it’s a summons, a subpoena, both or some other court paperwork, As a process server you are required to deliver it to the named party as per the courts instructions.
If you’d like in-depth training on how to be a process server and even open your own process serving business (if you want), then be sure to check out The Investigator’s Ultimate Guide to Process Serving.
Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye, P.I.
P.S. – Don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it on the home page of my blog.
P.P.S. – I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice. If you need legal advice ask an attorney. But, you knew that already, didn’t you?
Hello Larry. A person shot a gun at my face and thank god he missed I ended up at the hospital with a concussion and sprained back he was drunk and attacked me when i was sleeping i wasin bad shape and very AFRAID of this person i was in shock but i finally got the nervre to report it i have a case number. And gave a testimony. And tried to get help to get out of that house so anyway he acted like oh well gave me a case number and his name and this guy is still not been arrested they came out and took pictures and said ot would be turned over to. C.I.D. but i have not heard a word
The police response you’re describing is more common than most people think. Here’s what I always recommend… contact the police department and find out who’s the detective assigned to your case. Contacting him or her directly may help.
Great post, Larry! Both a warrant and summons serve the same purpose – to get a person charged with a criminal or traffic offense to court. But while a warrant and summons serve the same purpose, the practical effect on the person charged can be significant.
Absolutely! Great addition to the conversation!