By Pona Sitake, Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve recently received a document in the mail or been told that you’ve been “sent a summons,” you might be feeling confused or concerned. The phrase “sent summons” can sound formal and even intimidating, especially if you’ve never been involved in any legal matter before. At Sitake and Wright, we believe in empowering people with knowledge, especially when it comes to protecting your rights. So, let’s break down what it means when you are “sent a summons” and what your next steps should be.

What Is a Summons?

A summons is an official legal document issued by a court. When someone is “sent a summons,” it means they are being formally notified that they are required to appear in court. The summons will usually include important information such as:

The name of the court

 The date and time of the hearing or trial 

The reason for the court appearance (criminal charges, civil lawsuit, etc.)

 Instructions on what to do next

In the context of criminal defense, a summons is often sent when someone is being charged with a non-violent or low-level offense and is not considered a flight risk. Instead of being arrested, the person receives a summons and must appear in court on the date specified.

Sent Summons vs. Arrested

One common question we get at Sitake and Wright is, “Am I in trouble if I’ve been sent a summons?” While receiving a summons is serious, it’s different from being arrested. When you’re arrested, law enforcement physically detains you and brings you into custody. When you’re sent a summons, you’re being trusted to voluntarily appear in court without being taken into custody.

However, failing to appear in court after being sent a summons can lead to more serious consequences, such as a warrant being issued for your arrest. This is why it’s critical to take a summons seriously and consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Why Did I Get a Summons?

You could be sent a summons for various reasons, such as:

Being accused of committing a misdemeanor, being involved in a traffic violation or citation, being named as a witness in a criminal trial or being sued in a civil case.

Regardless of the reason, you have the legal right to understand the charges or claims against you and to defend yourself in court. This is where a skilled criminal defense attorney comes in.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve been sent a summons, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Your next step should be to consult with an experienced attorney who can review the details of your case and help you prepare your response. At Sitake and Wright, we’re here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and advocate on your behalf.

Facing a summons? Contact Sitake and Wright today to schedule a consultation. Let us stand by your side with trusted criminal defense representation when it matters most.