(A) For investigative purposes, the Counsel for Discipline shall be empowered to issue writs of subpoena, including subpoena duces tecum, in the name of the State of Nebraska requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and parties and the production of records, books, and documents; to administer oaths to parties and witnesses; to take their sworn testimony or their unsworn statements; and to certify to the Court for appropriate action by the Court any refusal of a witness or party to comply with the requirements of a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to testify, answer questions, or produce  records, books, or documents.

   (B) Such subpoena, including subpoena duces tecum described in this rule, may be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, by the Sheriff of any County of the State of Nebraska or by any person authorized by the Counsel for Discipline to do so.

   (C) Any Respondent shall have the right to request writs of subpoena, including subpoena duces tecum, in the name of the State of Nebraska, by a written request therefor to the Referee, prior to ten days of any hearing. The Referee, with the assistance of the Clerk, shall, immediately, issue such subpoena or subpoena duces tecum and cause the same to be served in the same manner as provided in § 3-317(B); provided the testimony and evidence to be produced as a result of said subpoena or subpoena duces tecum shall be reasonably relevant and material to the matters on hearing. With said request the Respondent shall submit the last known address of the witnesses together with the witness and mileage fees for such witnesses in the same amount as are paid for witnesses in the district courts of Nebraska.

   (D) Prior to the appointment of a Referee, the Disciplinary Review Board may quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable or oppressive. The Referee, upon appointment, shall assume such authority.

Rule 17(B) amended November 12, 1997. Renumbered and codified as § 3-317, effective July 18, 2008.