Society’s most common view or stereotype of a private investigator usually involves some kind of surveillance or detective work. However, private investigators also work in the judicial sector, collaborating with attorneys and working in court. This is oftentimes more common actually.
There are a variety of legal services a private investigator can provide. Many of which involve evidence and background checks, or even surveillance, as we’ve covered in previous articles. But there’s more than one side to this coin. PIs also provide subpoena services, which are often crucial to court proceedings.
Today we’ll be covering what these are, and what types there are.
Types of Subpoena Services
Generally speaking, there are two types of subpoena services.
- Subpoena Duces Tecum attempts to compel an individual or organization to submit official records and evidence to court. Relevant parties will examine these records before the trial, or as it takes course. The type of evidence can range from a variety of sources, and could almost be anything. The most common types of evidence submitted, however, tend to fall under certain categories. For example, insurance claim, medical, employment, tax or educational records.
- Subpoena Ad Testificandum. This subpoena is an order that requires its recipient to attend a deposition. A deposition is also often referred to as an examination before trial. This deposition will usually occur at some kind of legal proceeding, such as a trial or hearing. The recipient must usually attend in person. In specific circumstances, however, with an appropriately authorized person, arrangements can be made for someone else to represent them. This depends on the nature of the case though.
What is a Subpoena?
Only qualified individuals may serve a subpoena, and only with proper authorization can they do so. Once the process server has completed their serving of said subpoena, they are required to fill out what is known as an affidavit. The affidavit of service is left with the court of jurisdiction. It is crucial to employ an experienced professional for this task. Serving a subpoena is an incredibly important task, leaving it to an unqualified individual can have disastrous consequences, particularly with a subpoena ad testificandum. It is true that anyone over the age of 18 can legally deliver a subpoena. However, as mentioned prior, it is not recommendable. As besides age and experience, subpoenas often require a licensed servers. In some regions, this is a legal requirement.
How Do Private Investigators Serve Subponeas?
Like here at Advantage Investigations, many private investigators specialize in trial preparation investigations. This means that we have been providing services, like the serving of subpoenas, for many years. So you can reset assured that you’re in safe hands with us.
Serving a subpoena requires superb tracking skills, or skip tracing skills. In many cases, people don’t want to be found. They go to extreme lengths to avoid this. An experienced and qualified private investigator is an excellent choice for such a task.
If you employ a PI to serve someone, be sure they are familiar with the local laws governing said serving process. And If you find yourself in need of this particular set of skills, please feel free to call us. Or simply click on this link to get in contact with one of our team members.
