A summons is a document issued by a judge or government agency requiring you to appear in court. Although you are not required to hire a lawyer if you get a summons, it is often advisable to do so.
Judicial Summons
If you receive a summons stating that a party has named you as the defendant in a lawsuit, you may benefit from a consultation with an attorney. Since the rules of your court system require you to respond to the summons, contact an attorney as soon as you receive the document.
Traffic Citations
Traffic citations are a type of summons for which most people do not need a lawyer. If you receive a summons to appear in court for a non-criminal traffic offense such as speeding or running a traffic light, you may benefit from the assistance of a lawyer if you believe your rights have been violated or if you have previous traffic offenses on your record.
Administrative Summons
Government agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service may issue summonses to citizens requesting them to appear at administrative hearings. Since these proceedings can be complex and involve both criminal and civil penalties, it is advisable to get a lawyer if you receive an administrative summons.
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