The police delivered a subpoena to me – do I have to obey it?
Yes, you do because you were served personally, and this can happen anywhere - including at home or at work.
My boss received a subpoena for me. Do I have to obey it?
No, you do not because the subpoena was not served on your personally, and your work is not where you usually live. A lawyer can advise you how to deal with the subpoena.
A police officer gave my spouse a subpoena for me at home. Do I have to obey it?
Yes, you do because your home is where you usually live, and the police officer can legally deliver a subpoena to anyone there who looks 16 or older.
A process server gave my spouse a subpoena for me at home. Do I have to obey it?
Yes, you do because a process server, like a police officer, has legal authority in Alberta to deliver a subpoena. More specifically, your home is where you usually live, and the process server can legally deliver a subpoena to anyone there who looks 16 or older.
My 10-year old kid received a subpoena for me. Can I ignore it?
Yes, you can ignore it. Your child looks younger than 16; therefore, the subpoena has not been properly served. A lawyer can advise you how to deal with the subpoena.
A police officer called and said I must go to the police station to receive papers. The officer did not say what the papers are. What do I do?
Without knowing more, you are not under a legal duty to pick up the documents. It is up to the police or a process server to serve you with documents. A lawyer can advise you on how to deal with those mysterious papers.
A police officer called and said I have to come to the police station to get a subpoena. What do I have to do?
You do not have to go to the police station to get the subpoena. The police are to serve the subpoena themselves. A lawyer can advise you on how to deal with the subpoena.
The guy at the coffee shop says the police are looking to give me papers. Do I have to call the police?
No. A lawyer can advise you on how to deal with those mysterious papers.
Can I dodge service of a subpoena?
If it appears you have been evading service of a subpoena, then a court can issue a warrant to have you arrested and brought in to give evidence.
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