Which of the following statements is true?

• A. The municipal courts have specific authority to issue subpoenas for out-of-county witnesses.
• B. A subpoena duces tecum orders a witness to bring other witnesses with him or her.
• C. If a peace officer serves a subpoena by mail, the subpoena can be mailed regular mail.
• D. If a witness is younger than 18, the court may subpoena his or her parents to produce the witness in court.

Answer: (D)

When a witness is under 18, the court can subpoena the parents to produce the minor in court. This helps ensure the child’s attendance by having the parent cooperate and bring the child to testify. Subpoena duces tecum is for producing documents or tangible items, not to compel a different witness. Service by mail is not the proper method for serving subpoenas (personal service is typically required). There isn’t special authority for out-of-county subpoenas in this context. So the only true statement reflects the court’s ability to subpoena a minor’s parents to produce the minor in court.