Who may be compelled to serve a subpoena?

• A. The City Treasurer
• B. A licensed attorney
• C. A private investigator
• D. A peace officer

Answer: (D)

A subpoena is a court-ordered command to appear or produce evidence, and the person who may be compelled to carry out that command is someone authorized to execute legal processes. Peace officers have explicit authority to serve court orders and subpoenas, deliver them to witnesses, and file proofs of service with the court. Their role includes enforcing compliance and taking action if a witness does not comply, which is why they are the appropriate official to handle subpoenas. Other roles—such as municipal officials or attorneys—don’t automatically have the power to physically serve subpoenas as part of their official duties, and private investigators generally lack the general authority to enforce service unless specifically licensed for process serving.