What should a private investigator do upon receiving a subpoena?

A private investigator must take a subpoena seriously as it is a legal document that requires compliance with the order unless it is challenged or withdrawn. The correct action upon receiving a subpoena involves evaluating the request for information and determining what is required to comply while safeguarding the rights of any involved parties.

By complying with the legal request and gathering the necessary information, the investigator acknowledges the authority of the subpoena while fulfilling their professional duties. This compliance not only respects the legal process but also helps maintain the investigator's credibility and professionalism.

In some situations, seeking legal counsel before responding to a subpoena can be advisable, as it ensures that the investigator's response aligns with legal standards and protects the rights of their clients. However, the primary action remains to gather the required information in compliance with the subpoena.

Ignoring the subpoena would be inappropriate and could lead to legal repercussions for the investigator, while simply contacting the client without taking further action might not address the legal obligation imposed by the subpoena. Thus, gathering the necessary information in response to the subpoena is the most appropriate course of action.