Do you go to jail for being held in contempt or is it more like a fine and then community service?
2007-01-02 07:34:24 · 9 answers · asked by MELO1985 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
As is the first part of most answers here, it depends upon the jurisdiction. In California you could be punished by up to six months in jail. Of even greater concern, you could be required to post bail as a witness, and if you could not post bail you could be held in jail until the trial (though how long a delay could be with a witness in custody is open to argument, since under our state Constitution, witnesses cannot be "unreasonably" detained).
2007-01-02 09:05:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the judge will issue an arrest warrant. He will then order the county sheriff to arrest you and bring you to his court. If you don't have a good reason for your failure to appear, you can be cited for contempt.
The judge can order jail time. If you were an eye witness in a capital murder trial, chances are the judge will give out the maximum punishment, especially if he has to dismiss the case against the defendant.
2007-01-02 07:52:09 · answer #2 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't the punishment you have to worry about. Here in Canada the judge can issue a witness warrant for no-shows. When you are arrested on the warrant you can be held in jail until the case goes to trial. That can be a looonnnggg time.
2007-01-02 08:49:21 · answer #3 · answered by joeanonymous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all up to the judge. Some will fine you, some will give you jail time, and some will issue an arrest warrent to bring you to the courtroom.
If you think police or constables showing up at your work to pick you up in handcuffs is worth it, go ahead take the risk.
Better yet, talk to a lawyer and let them talk to the person who summoned you.
2007-01-02 07:54:06 · answer #4 · answered by Monc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a summons is an order to go to court. if you do not show up you can recive a fine or depentding on the case go to jail. traffic court will not do much unless there has been a death. if it is a criminal court you can recive jail time and a nice fine.
2007-01-02 07:47:22 · answer #5 · answered by pantyhose_creature 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be fined and or jail time depends on the judge & the state laws. Just go don't chance it.
2007-01-02 09:47:45 · answer #6 · answered by d3midway semi-retired 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bench Warrant!
2007-01-02 07:55:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
jail
2007-01-02 07:41:21 · answer #8 · answered by Library Eyes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
J A I L....... Go be a witness.
2007-01-02 09:06:15 · answer #9 · answered by spag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋