What legal action may occur if you fail to appear in court as a witness after being subpoenaed?

When a person fails to appear in court as a witness after being subpoenaed, the primary legal action that can occur is being charged with contempt of court. A subpoena is a legal document that commands an individual to testify or present evidence in a legal proceeding. Ignoring this obligation undermines the court's authority and can disrupt the legal process.

Contempt of court essentially acknowledges that the individual has disobeyed or shown disrespect for the court's order. This can lead to various consequences, including sanctions or penalties imposed by the court to compel compliance. While other consequences such as losing a job or facing fines could theoretically stem from a lack of compliance with legal obligations, they are not direct legal actions initiated by the court in the context of a subpoena. Imprisonment might also happen, but it typically occurs under specific circumstances conditions regarding the severity of the contempt.

Thus, being charged with contempt of court encapsulates the most immediate and appropriate legal recourse for failing to comply with a subpoena.