Guru can you share with us your experience and tell us what one can do to delay/suppress a subpoena? I realize that we live in different countries (you in US and me in Canada) however I believe the principle should be the same.
Just lie and deny for the most part, and always stand your ground....never waiver or go back on anything you've said. Contact whoever subpoena'd you and if its a court ordered appearance, explain the hardship that particular date would cause you. It helps having friends across the country, as you can use other phone numbers or addresses to where you'll be on such and such a date. Maybe you are caring for an infirmed relative halfway across the country, or consulting for whatever business....there is zero proof you are at the physical address right now. Especially in an era of cell phones.
If its physical evidence..."nope, sorry.....never collected or retained any of those documents'. Or..."gosh golly, I just threw all that out 18 months ago, I can give you the address of the local landfill". If you suspect they will get a warrant to search whatever premises, its not hard to stage a break-in and document all of your "losses"...."OMG! they stole my TV, my PS3 AND my laptop!".
Sure you may piss off a judge and he may find you in contempt depending on the circumstances, it all depends what kind of a hardass you want to be and what you are willing to put on the line. Contrary to what spindly little chumps like Zanick believe, some people do have fundamental principles in this world...and aren't willing to snitch or sell people out at the drop of a hat.
It really does come down to demeanor and attitude dealing with lawyers and judges. They are used to throwing their weight around and getting their way, or at the very least tripping people up during the deposition process. If you are a good liar or a stubborn son of a bitch that will never crack, many times their bullying/tricky tactics will fail. I had one lawyer tell me after a deposition..."that might have been the greatest deposition I ever witnessed, you are an absolute statue, and as hard as that lawyer tried manipulating you, you didn't give him so much as a crack or an inkling to work with."
Basically, every situation is different. If you have other witnesses that can testify...."he has such and such documents in that locked filing cabinet"...then sure your situation might be a lot trickier to get out of. But that is why you exercise diligence, caution, and discretion BEFORE any subpoenas are coming your way....that way its a lot easier making your claims without any contrary evidence or witness to something different.
