Encrypted data is just as easily subpoened as unencrypted data. Subpoenas come in the form of "give us everything related to X." In case of highly-relevant inf

Encrypted data is just as easily subpoened as unencrypted data. Subpoenas come in the form of "give us everything related to X." In case of highly-relevant info mixed with other non-relevant, but highly-confidential information, some courts allow a trusted third-party to see the documents and use their judgement what to submit to the court as part of the subpoena. "But courts won't know what is in the encrypted info, so can't subpoena it, and you can't get in trouble over that." doesn't work. They order you to hand everything over. If you decline, and the opposing party convinces someone on your side to cooperate, you are in trouble. If you decide not to turn something over, you get a nice stint in contempt-of-court land, which may include some all-expense paid nights at a not-so-nice hotel.