What Is a Subpoena?

A subpoena, which literally means "under

penalty," is a court order requiring you to provide
information. A subpoena ad testificandum requires
you to testify in court, at a deposition, or to some
other legal authority. A subpoena duces tecum
requires you to produce documents or tangible
evidence.
Penalties
Since a subpoena is a court order, refusal to
comply can result in contempt of court charge,
punishable by jail, a fine, or both.