{"id":365591,"date":"2016-04-04T10:44:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:44:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dictionary\/definition\/summons.html"},"modified":"2021-05-05T08:26:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T13:26:24","slug":"summons","status":"publish","type":"dictionary","link":"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/summons.html","title":{"rendered":"Summons, n"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

What Is a Summons?
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A summons is a document that is used to notify someone that they are being sued or are required to appear in court.<\/p>\r\n

In Civil Cases:<\/h3>\r\n

The summons is prepared by the plaintiff, issued by the court, and served upon the defendant. It lets the defendant know that they have a certain number of days to respond to the lawsuit or to appear in court. Not responding (or appearing) during that time period could result in a default judgment against them.<\/p>\r\n

In Criminal Cases:<\/h3>\r\n

A summons can be served on a defendant facing minor criminal charges at the request of the prosecuting attorney and upon issuance by the court. The summons to appear in court is used as an alternative to a warrant for arrest<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Other:<\/h3>\r\n

A summons is also used to notify someone that they are required to appear for jury duty or to appear as a witness.<\/p>\r\n

Summons vs. Subpoena<\/h2>\r\n

Like a summons, a subpoena<\/a> is a document from the court telling someone to do something. However, a subpoena usually requires that person to provide some kind of evidence such as a witness. Subpoenas are typically served after the lawsuit has begun.<\/p>\r\n

People who do not respond to a summons risk automatically losing the case against them. People who do not comply with a subpoena risk fines, jail time, or being held in contempt of court.<\/p>\r\n

Summons vs. Summon<\/h2>\r\n

The word "summon<\/a>" can be used to describe the act of bringing someone into court by a summons.<\/p>\r\n

Learn more about:<\/h2>\r\n