A witness is summoned for hearing by a court order stating that the person has been summoned as a witness, the criminal case for which he/she has been summoned and the consequences of his/her unexcused absence (compulsory attendance and/or a fine). It is the witness's duty to respond to the summons by appearing in court.
The suspect/accused is summoned by a writ, stating that he/she is summoned to appear as a suspect, the legal description of the offence with which he/she is charged, and instructions on the consequences of an unexcused absence (compulsory attendance, adjournment of the hearing at the defendant's expense). When summoned for the first time he/she must be instructed of the right to an attorney.