What is a subpoena?
A subpoena is a court order requiring a person to appear at a specific time or place or to provide certain documentation.  Because it is a court order it is important to comply with the subpoena.  If you have any questions regarding a subpoena you should contact the attorney who issued the subpoena.  If you have difficulty attending at the time requested you should contact the attorney in advance and the hearing may be able to be rescheduled.

*If you have received a subpoena from The Warren County Attorney's office, and have questions regarding the subpoena, contact the County Attorney or assistant county attorney who issued the subpoena at (515)961-1014.

What is an arraignment?
An arraignment is a court hearing where the charges are formally read to the defendant and the defendant enters an initial plea of guilty or not guilty.  It is a preliminary proceeding, no testimony or evidence is produced.  At the arraignment a tentative pretrial and trial date is scheduled.

What is a pre-trial conference?
The pre-trial conference is a meeting involving the court, the prosecuting attorney, and the defendant's attorney.  It is primarily a scheduling conference at which time the trial is scheduled and the court is advised of the length of trial and the primary issues that will be before the court.  The court is also advised whether there are any pending motions or depositions to be completed.  If the defendant decides to enter a plea of guilty rather than go to trial the plea may be taken at the time of the pre-trial conference or scheduled at another date.  Pleas and sentencing are open to the public.

How do I obtain a person's criminal history?
The Warren County Attorney's office cannot distribute a person's criminal history. If you would like to obtain a person's criminal history, you should contact the:
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
cchinfo@dps/state.ia.us
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319

To request forms necessary to do a record check, call (515)281-4776 or visit their web site for more information: http://www.state.ia.us/government/dps/dci/crimhist.htm