Rule 17. Subpoena

(a) For attendance of witnesses.

(1) Form; issuance. A subpoena shall be issued by the clerk under the seal of the Court. It shall state the name of the Court and the title, if any, of the proceeding, and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at the time and place specified therein.

(2) Bail in lieu of subpoena. If it appears by affidavit that the testimony of a person is material in any criminal proceeding and that it may be impracticable to secure the presence of the witness by subpoena, the Court may require the witness to give bail as security for appearance as a witness and shall commit a witness who fails to give bail. The Court may order the release of a witness who has been detained for an unreasonable length of time.

(b) Omitted.

(c) For production of documentary evidence and of objects. A subpoena may also command the person to whom it is directed to produce the books, papers, documents or other objects designated therein. The Court may quash or modify the subpoena if compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive. The Court may direct that books, papers, documents or objects designated in the subpoena be produced before the Court at a time prior to the trial or prior to the time when they are to be offered in evidence and may upon their production permit the books, papers, documents or objects or portions thereof to be inspected by the parties and their attorneys.

(d) Service. A subpoena may be served by any person authorized by law to so do. Service of a subpoena shall be made in any manner in which a summons may be served under these Rules.

(e) Place of service. A subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a hearing or trial may be served at any place within the State of Delaware.

(f) Omitted.

(g) Contempt. Failure by any person without adequate excuse to obey a subpoena served upon that person may be deemed a contempt of the court from which the subpoena issued.