California Private Investigator Practice Exam

When is service of a summons deemed complete if delivered to the subject?

1. Once the document is signed

2. When a second attempt is made

3. As soon as the summons is delivered

4. After a witness confirms delivery

The correct answer is: As soon as the summons is delivered

Service of a summons is deemed complete as soon as the summons is delivered to the subject. This is crucial because it triggers the timeframe in which the subject must respond to the summons. The legal system relies on the clear communication of a summons to ensure that individuals are aware of legal proceedings against them. Thus, the moment delivery occurs, it establishes that the individual is informed of the actions being taken and has the opportunity to defend themselves. The other options do not accurately reflect the legal standards for service completion. Signing a document typically pertains to acknowledgment rather than the act of service itself; a second attempt to deliver is irrelevant if the initial delivery was completed; and a witness's confirmation, while potentially useful for record-keeping, does not change the point at which service is legally recognized as complete.