How does one refuse to be subpoenaed?

Factual Questions
21

It’s not so much that a person would “refuse to be subpoenaed” as they would “refuse to [honor, abide, comply with] a subpoena.”

You can do this formally, by filing a motion to quash the subpoena in the court where the case is pending. Generally, though, the mere filing of a motion doesn’t waive your obligation to show up, but if a court order is entered protecting you from the subpoena before the date you were supposed to show up, you don’t need to appear.

Or you can do it informally, by just not showing up. Doing that risks the court issuing an order compelling you to comply, and violating a court order risks contempt of court.

22

A person can refuse to be subpoenaed by never being physically there to receive it. Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, famously avoided subpoena’s by speeding away when he noticed a server at his home. If you hide long enough, you can avoid it, but that’s a hard tactic to pull off for an extended period of time.

23

A person who is obviously avoiding being physically served can be served through other means such as by mail or publication.

24

But then, don’t tell everyone where in Florida your birthday party is… right, Rudy?