46-15-113. Subpoena of witness in another state to testify in this state. (1) Whenever a person in any state that by its laws has made provision for commanding persons within its borders to attend and testify in criminal prosecutions or grand jury investigations in this state is a material witness in a prosecution pending in a court of record in this state or in a grand jury investigation that is commenced or is about to commence, a judge of the court may issue a certificate under the seal of the court stating these facts and specifying the number of days the witness will be required. The certificate must be presented to a judge of a court of record in the county in which the witness is found.
(2) If the certificate recommends that the witness be taken into immediate custody and delivered to an officer of this state to assure the witness's attendance in this state, it is prima facie proof of the desirability of the custody and delivery, and the judge may direct that the witness be brought before the judge immediately. If the judge is satisfied as to the desirability of custody and delivery, the judge may order that the witness be immediately taken into custody and delivered to an officer of this state. The order is sufficient authority for the officer to take the witness into custody and hold the witness unless and until the witness is released by bail, recognizance, or order of the judge issuing the certificate.
(3) A witness who has appeared in accordance with the provisions of the subpoena may not be required to remain within this state for a longer period of time than the period mentioned in the certificate unless otherwise ordered by the court.
(4) If the witness fails without good cause to attend and testify as directed, the witness must be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of any witness who disobeys an order issued from a court of record in this state in accordance with Title 3, chapter 1, part 5, or in accordance with 45-7-309.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 188, L. 1937; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 117, L. 1949; Sec. 94-9003, R.C.M. 1947; redes. 95-1810 by Sec. 29, Ch. 513, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 27, Ch. 184, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 95-1810; amd. Sec. 184, Ch. 800, L. 1991.