When it's used
During trial preparation, served sufficiently in advance of the trial date to compel witness attendance.
Definition
A trial subpoena on Judicial Council form SUBP-001 is a court-issued command that legally compels a non-party witness to appear and testify at trial, and may also require production of documents under a subpoena duces tecum. California CCP §1985 et seq. governs the issuance and service requirements, including the obligation to tender the witness’s daily fee and mileage at the time of service. The paralegal identifies each witness who will not appear voluntarily, prepares the SUBP-001 form with the correct court and trial information, arranges for personal service by a registered process server, and files the proof of service with the court. Tracking service status for all trial witnesses is a critical logistical function that ensures the trial team is not blindsided by absent witnesses on the first day of trial.