A witness failing to comply with the subpoena may be held in contempt of court and may be imposed sanctions. (CCP 1991.1, 2023.030, 2025.480(k))
A witness disobeying a subpoena also forfeits to the party aggrieved $500 and damages which may be recovered in a civil action. (CCP 1992) If a witness fails to appear in court, the court may issue a warrant for the witness’s arrest. (CCP 1993) However, a witness, other than excepted employees, who has demanded witness fees and has not been paid is under no duty to appear. (GC 68097)