I need advice regarding contempt of court due to an unanswered subpoena.

Greetings: It appears you would like to know how to avoid costs and fees when found in contempt.  In New York, costs and fees are generally awarded to the moving party when there is a finding of contempt.  Accordingly, to avoid such an award, the best strategy is to avoid the finding in the first place.  If that opportunity has been missed, then the next strategy is to demonstrate compliance with the contempt order (i.e. purge the contempt).  Compliance must be clear and convincing.  There generally are no other opportunities to avoid costs and fees.  In short, do not ignore a subpoena and if it happens, contact a good New York lawyer to assist you in minimizing any subsequent problems that arise.