Received a summons- what you need to do

 What is a summons?

It is a legal document that is notifying you or your required appearance in a court of low. This document notifies a person of civil case filed against him or her or their need to defend themselves in the court hearing. For this, you can go for service of summons.

How is a summons served?

 They are usually served by a process server to make sure that it is served accurately and legally within your states rules and regulations because it is required to officially notify a person of a summon. Also, if the person is not served accurately, it may be thrown out in a court of law.

What happen if receive a summons?

•             Read it carefully

When you receive a summons, you first read it carefully and thoroughly, read the subpoena for all the details related to the location, date and time of which you should appear in the court. Keep in mind that, you may lose case by default if you don't appear in court.

•             Look at the date

The summons will tell you the date of your first appearance in the court. Reach there in time because warrant may be issued for your arrest if you don't. Also, the first appearance is not a trial but it is the first step to find out more about the charge against you. Also, the prosecutor will provide information about the charges and give you their initial sentencing position that is the sentence they think the judge should give you. You can tell the court that what you plan to do about the charge. The court will set another date and time. You have enough time to review the information and consider your option.

•             What is the offence

The summons will also tell you the offence you have to answer. Generally, there are two types of offences- 1) summary conviction offences (they are considered less serious like shoplifting or causing s disturbance.), 2) indictable offences ( they are more serious like breaking and entering sexual assault or murder.

•             Fingerprinting

The summons will have a paragraph filed out saying you have to go to the local police station on a certain date and time to have your fingerprints and photography taken. If you don't go for it, you can be arrested and charged with the offences of failing to appear.

What happen if you don't respond to a summons document?

You can lose the legal case in which you are involved by default. Also, a warrant for your arrest for contempt of court may be issued should you fail to appear in a court of law.