Sec. 31.05.070. Attendance and testimony of witnesses.

309 words·~1 min read·/ak/title-31/chapter-5/31-05-070

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)The commission may summon witnesses, administer oaths, and require the production of records, books, and documents for examination at a hearing or investigation conducted by it. A person may not be excused from attending and testifying, or from producing books, papers, and records before the commission or a court, or from obedience to the subpoena of the commission or a court, on the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of that person may tend to incriminate or subject that person to a penalty or forfeiture. This section does not require a person to produce books, papers, or records, or to testify in response to an inquiry not pertinent to some question lawfully before the commission or court for determination. A natural person is not subject to criminal prosecution or to a penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which, in spite of objection, that person may be required to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before the commission or court, or in obedience to its subpoena. However, a person testifying is not exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying.

(b)If a person fails or refuses to comply with the subpoena issued by the commission, or refuses to testify as to any matter regarding which the person may be interrogated, any court of record in the state, upon application of the commission, may issue an attachment for the person and compel that person to comply with the subpoena, and attend before the commission and produce the records, books, and documents for examination, and give testimony. The court may punish for contempt as in the case of disobedience to a subpoena issued by the court, or for refusal to testify in court.