Orlando criminal defense lawyer and television legal analyst Jose Rivas was interviewed by FOX 35 Orlando about the subpoena ordering Florida teen Anna Kepner’s father to appear in family court, a hearing tied to her stepmother’s child custody battle—and indirectly to the FBI’s homicide investigation into Anna’s death. In that interview, Rivas explained why anyone facing a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando or family court summons should contact experienced legal counsel right away to protect their rights and their future.
If you have been served with a subpoena or need a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando, understanding your options is critical. A family court subpoena attorney in Orlando can evaluate your case, explain your obligations, and protect your interests in court.
Why the Anna Kepner Case Made Subpoenas Front-Page News
Eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner died aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 7, 2025, while traveling back to Miami with her family. The FBI’s Miami office is investigating her death as a possible homicide, and court filings suggest a 16‑year‑old stepbrother is part of an open FBI investigation related to her death.
While federal agents have released very little information, key details have come out in a separate Brevard County family court case between Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, and her ex‑husband over custody of their teenage son. That teen is the same stepsibling who shared a cabin with Anna on the cruise and was taken to the hospital when the ship docked.
In that family case, Hudson’s ex‑husband filed a subpoena demanding that Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, appear in court on December 5. A family court subpoena attorney in Orlando will tell you: this simple document has become a central part of a story that mixes family law, criminal court, and an active FBI homicide investigation. It shows how quickly a civil hearing can affect a criminal justice case. This is why people in central Florida often need both a skilled family court subpoena attorney in Orlando and an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Orlando at the same time.
What a Family Court Subpoena Really Means in Florida
A subpoena is not just a letter. It is a court order. If you ignore it, you risk being held in contempt of court, which can mean fines or even jail time. That is why consulting a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando is critical.
In the FOX 35 coverage, Winter Park‑based criminal defense attorney Jose Rivas, who is not involved in the Kepner family’s cases, explained why subpoenas are used so frequently in situations like this.
“It’s customary to send a subpoena to anyone you want present in the courtroom or to prevent them from claiming they didn’t get any notice to show up to court,” Rivas said., also noting that “a person may be subpoenaed if they’re wanted for testimony or so the judge can personally address them.”
In Florida family court, a subpoena from a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando or the state attorney’s office can:
- Force you to appear at a hearing
- Require you to testify under oath
- Compel you to bring documents or electronic records
Because family cases are often public, those records and statements can later be used or discovered in related criminal cases. That is precisely what appears to be happening here, where family filings have revealed details about an FBI investigation that federal agents have not confirmed publicly. This is why having a criminal defense attorney in Orlando review any family court involvement is essential.
Why You Need a Family Court Subpoena Attorney in Orlando
Many people think, “It’s just family court, not criminal court.” The Kepner case shows why that thinking is dangerous. A family hearing in Brevard County has revealed information about a suspected murder on a cruise ship and an open FBI investigation.
If you are served with a subpoena in a family case, you may need both a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando to handle the immediate hearing. You may also need a criminal defense lawyer in Orlando to examine how your testimony or records might affect any criminal investigation. If you are served with a subpoena in a family case, you may need both a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando to handle the immediate hearing. You may also need a criminal defense lawyer in Orlando to examine how your testimony or records might impact any criminal investigation. The stakes are too high to face a family court hearing without professional representation.
Working with a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando gives you several advantages:
- Legal counsel reviews the subpoena and explains your obligations
- Your attorney helps you respond without giving up important constitutional rights
- A lawyer works to limit overly broad requests for documents or testimony
- Your attorney coordinates strategy if you are also a witness, subject, or suspect in a criminal matter
In a high‑stakes situation, the goal is a favorable outcome that protects both your family interests and your criminal exposure. That is why people who are worried about the state attorney’s office, the FBI, or possible charges should not walk into family court alone. A family court subpoena attorney in Orlando will stand with you and protect your rights.
How an Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Protects You
Subpoenas are common tools in both family and criminal cases, but once you are on the record, you cannot take your words back. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Orlando understands how prosecutors, law enforcement, and the state attorney’s office might later use family court testimony against you.
A strong criminal court defense team can:
- Review the subpoena and evaluate your risk before you ever step into the courtroom
- Prepare you for every question you may face during cross-examination
- Be present when you testify, to object when needed and protect your rights
- Coordinate with family‑law counsel to keep sensitive information as limited as possible
Lawyers who are used to practicing criminal law in central Florida know how quickly a witness can become someone charged with a crime. They also know how important it is to protect your right to remain silent and your right to counsel while still respecting valid court orders.
When possible, the right strategy can help you avoid unnecessary exposure and reduce the chances of jail time, even when your name appears in serious investigations. A firm with a track record of success in complex, high‑profile matters is better equipped to handle that pressure.
How Rivas Law Firm Can Help You With Subpoenas
The Kepner case shows how one subpoena in family court can intersect with a suspected homicide, a federal investigation, and intense media coverage. In that environment, you want a criminal defense attorney who understands both the legal details and the public impact.
Rivas Law Firm in Orlando focuses on defending people in the criminal justice system across central Florida. When someone calls after getting a subpoena or learning that law enforcement wants to speak with them, the firm’s focus is immediate protection. If you need a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando or criminal defense representation, the team at Rivas Law Firm provides:
- Immediate evaluation of whether the person is a witness, subject, or potential defendant
- Strategic management of communication with investigators and the state attorney’s office
- Coordination with family‑law counsel where necessary
- A comprehensive defense strategy aimed at the best possible resolution
Whether the issue is a subpoena, a family court hearing, or active criminal court charges, the firm’s goal is always to steer the case toward a safer and more controlled path. If you have been served with a subpoena and need a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando, contact Rivas Law Firm for a consultation.
Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, Telemundo, and many other news outlets. His regular legal commentary, including his insights in the Anna Kepner coverage, underscores why people facing subpoenas, FBI investigations, or serious accusations should hire an experienced attorney as early as possible. Do not wait—if you require a family court subpoena attorney in Orlando, call today.