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Subpoenas
Campus Subpoena Coordinator Office Location
Office of the President
Cal Poly Humboldt
1 Harpst Street, Siemens Hall 221
Arcata, CA 95521
The backup Subpoena Coordinator is in SBS 337.
For more information, contact:
Mail: Send to the above address
E-Mail: Send to: subpoena@humboldt.edu
In-Person: Visit the above address
Phone: (707) 826-3300
This information is a guide and provides information for the appropriate response to process servers in most situations. Questions about individual situations involving service of process or subpoenas should be directed to the campus Subpoena Coordinator at 707-826-3300.
Please note that the Subpoena Coordinator does not accept service by mail, fax or email.
Subpoenas FAQS
A subpoena is a legal document that commands a person or entity to testify as a witness (at a deposition, trial, or other hearing, at a particular time and place), and/or to produce documents or other tangible objects in a legal proceeding. It is equivalent to a direct order from a court.
In general, there are three different types of subpoenas:
- An “appearance only” subpoena, requiring only the personal attendance of a witness;
- A “records only” subpoena, requiring only the production of documents, and not a witness;
- An “appearance and records” subpoena, requiring both the personal attendance of a witness and the production of documents.
A subpoena seeking production of documents, with or without a witness appearance, is sometimes referred to as “subpoena duces tecum.”
Fees vary depending on who or what is being requested.
Who May Accept the Service of a Subpoena?
General Acceptance Description
A subpoena to Cal Poly Humboldt for records will be accepted by the campus Subpoena Coordinator, Joy Finney, Office of the President, Siemens Hall 221, or the backup Subpoena Coordinator, Michelle Anderson, Administrative Affairs, Student & Business Services Building 337.
A subpoena to a particular person can only be accepted by that person.
Exceptions Description
| ENTITY | AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR SERVICE |
|---|---|
| The CSU, CSU Board of Trustees, or the Humboldt President | Office of General Counsel California State University, Office of the Chancellor 401 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802 |
| University Police Department | Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department 1 Harpst Street, Student Business Services Building 101 Arcata, CA 95521 |
| If the subpoenaed person is a peace officer who is subpoenaed to testify about an event or transaction which he/she witnessed or investigated as a peace officer | The subpoena may be served by delivering two copies to his/her immediate superior or an agent designed to receive subpoenas at the University Police Department, who must then deliver a copy to the peace officer. |
| If the subpoenaed person is a state employee who is subpoenaed to testify about something he/she has gained expertise in during the course of his/her duties | A subpoena may be served by delivering two copies to the employee’s immediate superior or an agent designated to receive subpoenas (the campus Subpoena Coordinator). |
| If the person is a state employee who is subpoenaed to testify about something they perceived (e.g. saw, heard, smelled, touched) while at work or for personal matters | State employees who are being subpoenaed for their everyday, percipient knowledge must be personally served. |