In addition to the authority contained in Section 17-7-170, a coroner also may issue subpoenas duces tecum to compel individuals to produce copies of documents or other materials which are relevant to a death investigation. Any law enforcement officer with appropriate jurisdiction is empowered to serve these subpoenas and receive copies of documents and other materials for return to the coroner. In the alternative, the coroner may require the individual subpoenaed to appear at the inquest or proceeding in order to produce copies of the documents or materials subpoenaed. Reasonable costs incurred to comply with this section must be paid by the county. Any person violating a subpoena duces tecum issued pursuant to this section may be punished for contempt as provided by Section 17-7-190.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 610.