Subpoenas

A news-side friend was called to say he'd receive a subpoena to testify in a criminal case. In this case, he took photos of a public demonstration. The photos have been handed over as part of a search warrant. In this case, he's not being asked to hand over any notes, sources, or confidential material.

Has anyone been through something like this? Are there any rights he should be aware of when this is issued - i.e. compensation for lost work, travel, etc? I realize it is different from state-to-state and country-to-country... but if you have any basic pointers, that'd be appreciated.

 

Does your company have a lawyer? If so, that's his first stop.

 

If he's being subpoenaed as part of his work, then his job should consider all trial preparation and court time to be on the clock, of course.

However, in papers I've worked at he shouldn't have to go to court at all. The paper's attorney need only prepare an affidavit saying that your friend took the photos, he attests to their accuracy and can't testify to anything beyond that. Usually those affidavits are readily accepted by the court in lieu of an appearance.