A subpoena is a legal document that orders a person to appear in court or produce evidence for a legal proceeding. In Arizona, this form is essential for obtaining testimony or documents from individuals or organizations that are not parties to the case. Understanding how to properly obtain and serve a subpoena can significantly impact the outcome of your legal matter.
When filling out the Arizona Subpoena form, it's essential to approach the task with care. Here are four critical dos and don'ts to guide you through the process:
Following these guidelines can help you navigate the legal process more effectively. Be proactive in ensuring all requirements are met to avoid delays or complications.
When filling out and using the Arizona Subpoena form, consider the following key takeaways:
An Arizona Subpoena Form is a legal document that orders a person or organization to appear in court or produce documents, records, or objects for inspection. It is typically used when the individual or entity being subpoenaed is not a party to the case. This form is essential for gathering evidence or testimony that may be crucial for your case.
A subpoena can be issued by anyone who has an open case in the Superior Court of Arizona or has registered a foreign case with the Maricopa County Clerk of the Court. It is important to note that the person issuing the subpoena must ensure that it is served within the state of Arizona and that the recipient is not a party to the case.
Serving a subpoena involves several steps:
After service, the person delivering the subpoena must file an Affidavit of Service with the Court to provide proof of delivery.
Yes, there are additional requirements when it comes to requesting medical records by subpoena. The standard subpoena forms and instructions do not cover these requirements. You will need to refer to Arizona Revised Statutes §12-2294.01 for more information or consult an attorney to ensure compliance with the specific rules governing medical records.
If the person receiving the subpoena believes the time frame or demands are unreasonable, they can file an objection with the Court. This objection must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the subpoena or before the scheduled appearance date. Be prepared to respond to any objections and to possibly attend a hearing regarding the matter.
The Arizona Subpoena form is often used in conjunction with several other legal documents that facilitate the process of obtaining testimony or evidence in court cases. Below is a list of related forms that are commonly utilized alongside the subpoena.
These documents play a crucial role in the legal process, ensuring that parties can obtain necessary information while also protecting the rights of those involved. Understanding each form's purpose can help individuals navigate the legal system more effectively.
How to Get a Seller's Permit in Arizona - Guidance on business classes is available in the form instructions.
Arizona Dmv Forms - The packet includes a Revocation Certificate that must be filled out by all applicants.
Arizona State Tax Forms - Residents seeking to file jointly must include spousal details.
SUBPOENA
1
HOW TO OBTAIN AND SERVE A
SUBPOENA OR SUBPOENA
DUCES TECUM
(FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS)
©Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED GNS1– 5328- 090513
SELF-SERVICE CENTER
HOW TO OBTAIN AND SERVE A SUBPOENA
OR SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM
CHECKLIST
You may use the forms and instructions in this packet if . . .
You want a legal order summoning a witness to testify or submit evidence, or
You want a legal order for someone to produce or make documents, records or objects, or a physical location available for your inspection, AND
You have already filed and have a case open in the Superior Court, OR
You have already registered a foreign (out of state) case with the Maricopa County Clerk of the Court, AND
The person (or company or organization, etc.) to whom the subpoena is to be given is NOT a party to the case, AND
The person (or company or organization, etc.) to whom the subpoena is to be given will be served within the state of Arizona.
WARNING: There are additional requirements for requesting MEDICAL RECORDS by subpoena. Those requirements and additional forms that may be needed for that purpose are NOT included in this packet. Refer to Arizona Revised Statutes (online at www.azleg.gov )
§12-2294.01 or consult an attorney for additional information.
READ ME: Consulting a lawyer before filing documents with the court may help prevent unexpected results. The Self-Service Center has a list of lawyers you may hire to advise you on handling your own case or to perform specific tasks, and a list of court-approved mediators as well. View the lists at the Self- Service Centers or online at www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SSC
© Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
GNS1k-051811
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Page 1 of 1
This packet contains court forms and instructions to file a subpoena. Items in BOLD are forms that you will need to file with the Court. Non-bold items are instructions or procedures. Do not copy or file those pages!
Order
File Number
Title
# pages
GNS1k
Checklist: You may use these forms if . . .
2
GNS1t
Table of forms and instructions (this page)
3
GNS12p
Procedures: How to Obtain and Serve a “Subpoena”
4
GNS12i
Instructions: How to Fill Out the “Subpoena”
5
GNS12f
“Subpoena”
6
GNS12h
Costs to Person Sending Subpoena
7
GNS28f
“Affidavit of Service” (only needed if served by person other
than sheriff or licensed process server)
The documents you have received are copyrighted by the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County. You have permission to use them for any lawful purpose. These forms shall not be used to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. The Court assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents. The documents are under continual revision and are current only for the day they were received. It is strongly recommended that you verify on a regular basis that you have the most current documents.
GNS1t -051811
PROCEDURES:
NOTE
•The subpoena is used to obtain testimony or the production of documents, records or objects, or the inspection of premises from persons or companies, organizations, etc., who are NOT parties to the case.
•You are responsible for the receiving party’s costs of complying with the subpoena. (See “Costs to Person Sending Subpoena” in this packet for more information.)
•You must already have an open case in the Superior Courts of Arizona for the Clerk to issue a subpoena, or have already registered the order of a foreign (out of state) court for a deposition. (See http://clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/faxondemand/202.pdf )
•You must be able to serve the subpoena within the state of Arizona.
•WARNING: There are additional requirements for a subpoena of MEDICAL RECORDS. Those requirements and additional forms that may be needed for that purpose are NOT included in this packet. Refer to A.R.S. § 12-2294.01 or consult an attorney for additional information.
STEP 1 - COMPLETE THE SUBPOENA. (See separate “How to Complete the Subpoena”
instructions)
STEP 2: Take the original subpoena to the Clerk of the Superior Court. Pay the fee and have the form signed and dated by the Clerk between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, at any of the locations listed below.
Locations of the Clerk of Court in Maricopa County
Central Court Building
Old Courthouse
Downtown Justice Center
Juvenile Court Center
N.E. Regional Court Center
S.E. Court Complex
N.W. Court Facility
(downtown Phoenix)
201 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ
85003
125 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ
620 W. Jackson, Suite 3017, Phoenix, AZ
(east of 35th Ave.)
3131 W Durango, Phoenix, AZ
85009
(40th St & Union Hills)
18380 N. 40th St. Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ
85032
(Hwy 60 south to S. Mesa Dr)
222 E. Javelina, 1st floor, Mesa, AZ
85210
(W on Statler, off Litchfield
14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise,
85374
between W. Bell & Greenway)
AZ
As of April 12, 2011, the fee for issuance of each subpoena is $26 (subject to change). Go online to http://clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov/fees.asp or ask at the Self-Service Center for a list of current fees. Cash, VISA/MasterCard/AMEX debit or credit cards, money order, or personal in-state check made payable to the “Clerk of Superior Court” are acceptable forms of payment.
If you cannot afford the filing fee and/or the fee for having the papers served by the Sheriff, you may request a deferral (payment plan) when you file your papers with the Clerk of the Court. Deferral Applications are available at no charge from the Self-Service Center.
STEP 3 – MAKE COPIES: Make (1) copy for your records, plus (1) for every party in the case:
STEP 4 – MAIL ONE COPY to every party in the case.
GNS12p-051811
Page 1 of 2
STEP 5 - SERVE THE SUBPOENA.
Have the original subpoena served on (personally delivered to) the person you want to appear in court or for a deposition or who is in control of the documents, objects or location you want to examine.
•
The original subpoena may be served by any person over the age of 18 who is NOT a party to the case.
The person serving the subpoena must file an Affidavit of Service with the Court as proof of delivery.
If you choose to have the paper served by a licensed process server or the Sheriff’s Department, they will have their own Affidavit of Service form, if not, use the one included in this packet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ): WHEN MUST THE SUBPOENA BE SERVED? HOW FAR IN ADVANCE OF WHEN I WANT THE PERSON TO APPEAR OR THE DOCUMENTS, RECORDS, OBJECTS OR PLACE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION MUST THE SUBPOENA BE DELIVERED?
ANSWER: The rules of court known as the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure (A.R.C.P.) do not specify any particular number of days that the subpoena must be delivered before the person is to appear or the documents or objects delivered or place made available for inspection.
The Rules do say that if the person receiving the subpoena feels that the length of time is unreasonable or otherwise objects, he or she must file an objection with the Court within 14 days of receiving the subpoena or before the date listed on the subpoena for the person to appear or to produce or provide access to the documents, records, objects, or location listed on the subpoena. A.R.C.P. 45 (C)(5) Identical provisions are contained in Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure (A.R.F.L.P.) Rule 52.
STEP 6 – WAIT and be prepared to respond to any objection from the party being served with the subpoena, or for the date and time the items are to be produced or for the scheduled appearance.
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INSTRUCTIONS:
HOW TO COMPLETE THE SUBPOENA
A subpoena is a legal order summoning a witness to testify or submit evidence. A subpoena duces tecum is a legal order requiring:
1.the production of documents, records or objects, or
2.making documents, records or objects, or a physical location available for inspection.
(This packet may be used for either or both types of subpoena.)
TO COMPLETE THIS FORM YOU WILL NEED:
Your case number.
The name and address of the person you want to appear as a witness in court or at a deposition, or who is in charge of the documents, records, or place you want to examine (who is NOT a party to the case).
INSTRUCTIONS: PRINT CLEARLY. USE BLACK INK. If you have access to the Internet and a printer, you may also fill out the subpoena form for free online at the Self-Service Center’s web site at www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/ssc to print out a more legible typed copy.
•Fill in the information requested at top left for the person who is sending the subpoena. If there is a current court order declaring your address is protected, write “protected” on the line provided for your address. Make sure the Clerk of Court has valid contact information on file.)
•Fill in the “case caption” where it says “In the Matter of” and “Case Number” exactly as it appears on your original court papers.
•Fill in the name and address of the person (or company, organization, etc.) to receive the subpoena.
Check one or more of the boxes for sections “1”, “2”, and/or “3” to indicate whether the subpoena is being sent:
1.To order someone to appear to testify at a court trial or hearing.
2.To order someone to appear for a deposition at an attorney’s office (or other location) to answer questions or give testimony that will be recorded for possible use at trial, and/or
3.As a subpoena duces tecum to order someone to produce or allow inspection of documents, objects, or of a specified location.
Fill in the information requested for each section you indicated. Then refer to the “Procedures” document in this packet for information getting the subpoena, including the “Your Duties in Responding” section, delivered or “served” as required by law.
GNS12i-051811
Person Requesting Subp:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
Telephone:
SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA
IN MARICOPA COUNTY
FOR CLERK’S USE ONLY
In the Matter ofCase No.
Petitioner(s) /Plaintiff(s)
Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 45, 84
Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure, Rule 52
Respondent /Defendant(s)
TO: Name:
Address:
(Check the box(es) to indicate one or more of “1”, ”2”, and/or “3”, below.)
1.
For Attendance of Witnesses at Hearing or Trial:
YOU ARE ORDERED TO APPEAR in the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County, at the
time and place specified below to testify at a Hearing Trial in the case named above, before:
Judicial Officer:
(at) Address:
Floor:
Date:
Room #
Time:
Request for reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities must be made to the Court at least 3 working days in advance of a scheduled court proceeding.
YOUR RIGHTS AND DUTIES CONCERNING THIS SUBPOENA FOLLOW.
2.
For Taking of Depositions:
YOU ARE ORDERED TO APPEAR at the place, date and time specified below to testify at the taking of a deposition in the case named above:
Place of Deposition:
Method of Recording:
GNS12f-090413
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Case No.______________________
SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM
3.
For Production of Documentary Evidence or Objects or Inspection of Premises:
YOU ARE ORDERED to produce and permit inspection, copying, testing, or sampling of the following designated documents, electronically stored information or tangible things, or to permit inspection of the premises at the place, date, and time specified below:
Additional documents listed on attached page(s)
TO BRING WITH YOU to the court proceeding or deposition listed above, OR
Place of Production or Inspection:
YOUR APPEARANCE IS NOT REQUIRED if the items ordered to be produced are delivered to AND you are not otherwise ordered to appear.
Clerk of Superior Court
By:
Deputy Clerk
Your Duties In Responding To This Subpoena*
*See Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure (A.R.C.P.), Rules 45(b), (c), and (e), and Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure (A.R.F.L.P.) Rule 52, and the “Your Right to Object to this Subpoena” section below.
ATTENDANCE AT A TRIAL: If this subpoena commands you to appear at a trial, you must appear at the place, date and time designated in the subpoena unless you file a timely motion with the court and the court quashes or modifies the subpoena. Unless a court orders otherwise, you are required to travel to any part of the state to attend and give testimony at a trial.
ATTENDANCE AT A HEARING OR DEPOSITION: If this subpoena commands you to appear at a hearing or deposition, you must appear at the place, date and time designated in this subpoena unless either:
(1)you file a timely motion with the court and the court quashes or modifies the subpoena;
or
(2)you are not a party or a party's officer and this subpoena commands you to travel to a place other than: (a) the county in which you reside or you transact business in person; or
(b)the county in which you were served with the subpoena or within forty (40) miles from the place of service; or
(c)such other convenient place fixed by a court order.
Page 2 of 5
PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE, TANGIBLE OBJECT, OR INSPECTION OF PREMISES: If this subpoena commands you to produce and permit inspection, copying, testing or sampling of designated documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things, you must make the items available at the place, date and time designated in this subpoena, and in the case of electronically stored information, in the form or forms requested, unless you provide a good faith written objection to the party or attorney who served the subpoena. Similarly, if this subpoena commands you to make certain premises available for inspection, you must make the designated premises available for inspection on the date and time designated in this subpoena unless you provide a good faith written objection to the party or attorney who served the subpoena.
You should note that a command to produce certain designated materials, or to permit the inspection of premises, may be combined with a command to appear at a trial, hearing or deposition. You do not, however, need to appear in person at the place of production or inspection unless the subpoena also states that you must appear for and give testimony at a hearing, trial or deposition.
If the subpoena commands you to produce documents, you have the duty to produce the designated documents as they are kept by you in the usual course of business, or you may organize the documents and label them to correspond with the categories set forth in the subpoena.
YOUR RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THIS SUBPOENA
Generally, if you have concerns or questions about this subpoena, you should first contact the party or attorney who served the subpoena. The party or attorney serving the subpoena has a duty to take reasonable steps to avoid imposing an undue burden or expense on you. The superior court enforces this duty and may impose sanctions upon the party or attorney serving the subpoena if this duty is breached.
PROCEDURE FOR OBJECTING TO A SUBPOENA FOR ATTENDANCE AT A HEARING, TRIAL OR DEPOSITION:
You must file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena with the court to obtain a court order excusing you from complying with this subpoena.*
The motion must be filed in the superior court of the county in which the case is pending or in the superior court of the county from which the subpoena was issued.*
The motion must be filed before the time specified for compliance or within 14 days after the subpoena is served, whichever is earlier.*
You must send a copy of any motion to quash or modify the subpoena to the party or attorney who served the subpoena.
The court must quash or modify a subpoena if . . .
(1)the subpoena does not provide a reasonable time for compliance;
(2)the subpoena commands your attendance at a trial and if the subpoena commands you to travel to a place other than:
(a)the county in which you reside or transact business in person;
(b)the county in which you were served with a subpoena, or within forty (40) miles from the place of service; or
(c)such other convenient place fixed by a court order; or
Page 3 of 5
(3)the subpoena requires disclosure of privileged or other protected matter, if no exception or waiver applies; or
(4)the subpoena subjects you to undue burden.
The court MAY quash or modify a subpoena if . . .
(1)the subpoena requires you to disclose a trade secret or other confidential research, development or commercial information;
(2)you are an unretained expert and the subpoena requires you to disclose your opinion or information resulting from your study that you have not been requested by any party to give on matters that are specific to the dispute;
(3)you are not a party or a party's officer and the subpoena would require you to incur substantial travel expense; or
(4)the court determines that justice requires the subpoena to be quashed or modified.
In these last four circumstances, a court may, instead of quashing or modifying a subpoena, order your appearance or order the production of material under specified conditions if:
(1)the serving party or attorney shows a substantial need for the testimony or material that cannot be otherwise met without undue hardship; and
(2)if your travel expenses or the expenses resulting from the production are at issue, the court ensures that you will be reasonably compensated.
PROCEDURE FOR OBJECTING TO SUBPOENA FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE, RECORD, TANGIBLE OBJECT OR INSPECTION OF PREMISES:
If you wish to object to a subpoena commanding you to produce documents, electronically stored information or tangible items, or to permit the inspection of premises, you may send a good faith written objection to the party or attorney serving the subpoena that objects to:
(1)producing, inspecting, copying, testing or sampling any or all of the materials designated in the subpoena;
(2)inspecting the premises; or producing electronically stored information in the form or forms requested.
You must send your written objection to the party or attorney who served the subpoena before the time specified for compliance or within 14 days after the subpoena is served, whichever is earlier.
If you object because you claim the information requested is privileged, protected, or subject to protection as trial preparation material, you must express the objection clearly, and support each objection with a description of the nature of the document, communication or item not produced so that the demanding party can contest the claim.
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After obtaining the necessary forms, the next steps involve accurately completing the Arizona Subpoena form and ensuring it is properly filed and served. Following these steps carefully will help ensure that the subpoena is valid and effective in your legal proceedings.
Filling out the Arizona Subpoena form can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that individuals often make. One frequent error is failing to ensure that the person receiving the subpoena is not a party to the case. If the individual or organization is involved in the case, the subpoena may not be valid.
Another common mistake is not having an open case in the Superior Court. The Clerk will not issue a subpoena unless there is an active case. It is essential to verify that the necessary case has been filed before proceeding with the subpoena.
People sometimes overlook the requirement that the subpoena must be served within the state of Arizona. If the recipient is located outside of Arizona, the subpoena cannot be legally served, which can lead to complications down the line.
Additionally, many individuals forget to make the appropriate copies of the subpoena. It is necessary to create one copy for personal records and one for each party involved in the case. Failing to do this can result in delays or issues with the court.
Another mistake involves not paying the correct fee when submitting the subpoena. The fee for issuing a subpoena is currently $26, and this amount may change. Confirming the fee beforehand can help avoid unexpected costs.
Some individuals also neglect to serve the subpoena properly. The original subpoena must be personally delivered to the intended recipient by someone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the case. If this step is not followed, the subpoena may not be enforceable.
People often misunderstand the timeline for serving the subpoena. There are no specific rules regarding how far in advance the subpoena must be served, but it is crucial to allow enough time for the recipient to respond. Waiting too long can lead to objections or issues with compliance.
Lastly, individuals may not be aware of the additional requirements for obtaining medical records through a subpoena. These requirements are not included in the standard packet and must be researched separately. Consulting an attorney can provide clarity on these specific regulations.