When are witness fees not required to accompany a subpoena?

Witness fees are not required to accompany a subpoena when the subpoena is issued within the home county of the witness or in criminal cases. This rule recognizes that when witnesses are called in their local jurisdiction, it is understood that their attendance is a civic duty that is expected without additional compensation. Additionally, in criminal cases, the primary concern is ensuring that witnesses testify to uphold the justice system. These provisions aim to facilitate the legal process by reducing barriers to witness participation, ensuring that crucial testimonies are not deterred by financial factors. In contrast, the other contexts presented do not provide the same level of exemption from witness fees, as they may involve more complex circumstances related to the nature of the cases or the parties involved.