Federal · Title 43 — Public Lands

43 U.S.C. § 104: Disobedience to subpoena

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person who willfully refuses or neglects to obey a subpoena or appear to testify is guilty of misdemeanor, punishable by fine up to $200, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, unless prevented from obeying without fault.

Read the full statutory text

Any person willfully neglecting or refusing obedience to such subpoena, or neglecting or refusing to appear and testify when subpoenaed, his fees having been paid if demanded, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, for which he shall be punished by indictment in the district court of the United States or in the district courts of the Territories exercising the jurisdiction of district courts of the United States. The punishment for such offense, upon conviction, shall be a fine of not more than $200, or imprisonment not to exceed ninety days, or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided , That if such witness has been prevented from obeying such subpoena without fault upon his part he shall not be punished under the provisions of this section.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.