I received a subpoena, what is a subpoena and what can I do?

Do you have a question about an official document that one of our bailiffs gave to you or left at your house? Here’s what you can do.

What is a subpoena?

A subpoena is an official, written summons to appear before a court. A subpoena is given to you by the judicial officer. When he or she gives the subpoena to you, he or she explains with it exactly what the subpoena means and what you must do. Are you not at home? Then the bailiff will give the subpoena to a roommate or someone else who is home at the time. Is no one at home? Then the bailiff will leave the subpoena in a sealed envelope.

What does a subpoena say?

The summons always contains a time and date when you must be at the court hearing. So a subpoena is an official letter to appear in court. The subpoena states exactly what someone is demanding, why they are demanding it, the evidence that is there, and sometimes why you are getting this letter.

What can I do if I have received a subpoena?

Do you want to avoid the hearing? This is possible only if you pay the entire amount, including interest and other costs, to our office no later than 5 days before the hearing date. View payment options here.

Can I make a payment arrangement after receiving the summons?

You can only make a payment arrangement if you really cannot pay the full amount, including interest and other costs, in one go. You can make us a proposal for a payment arrangement, but to do so we need insight into your financial situation

You can learn more about making payment arrangements here.

Notice: Even if we make a payment arrangement with you, the session will continue as usual on the date mentioned.

I disagree with the subpoena, what can I do?

You can tell the judge that you disagree with the subpoena. Do you want to tell it yourself? Then you must be present at the hearing on the date mentioned. In addition, you can send a letter to the court before the hearing date. In that letter you tell why you disagree with the summons.

Don’t you do anything? Then the judge will still rule because you received the summons from our bailiff.