Would you testify?

Question

Police are pressing charges against a local psychotic/bully who assaulted me and others.. MY testimony is necessary to convict. Trial is not for a year, and while I am able to take care of myself - I am somewhat concerned that I will be focus for psycho's rage.

At the same time however, this individual has been terrorizing the neighbourhood - including several women. My testimony, therefore could be invaluable in establishing a record of violence possibly prevent harm befalling someone down the road.

what would you do?

- he is under a restraining order, but law being the law - he needs to be tried and convicted (in one year). That being said - he is psychotic, I'm not sure the law means that much to a delusional freak

- I'm not about to move, I'd sooner take the law into my own hands than be bullied into running away

- I'm in Canda.. laws are soft and flabby - bustin a cap is not really an option.

BTW - my testimony won't likely result in any serious prision or anything, the assault - while psychotic - did not result in serious harm to me..

so reality is he will be back on street, but with a record and quite possibly an axe to grind. The upside is that the law is on my side, and as my life has been threatend I can do whatever necessary in self-defence.

Answer 1

Do what you feel is right it the situation. There is no point in being afraid, as it will not help you to make the right decision.

My guess is that the right thing to do is to testify and at the same time take steps to protect yourself.

Train so that you are mentally and physically prepared for combat if you need to defend yourself. Keep your house as secure as possible. (It is hard to intimidate someone on the other side of a locked door)

Stay in contact with police and prosecutors. If you become the focus of his rage, let the charges mount up and get a restraining order.

Personally, I would testify. In the mean time, I would try to avoid contact with the bully. If confronted by the bully, I would take whatever step was most appropriate.

If the bully tries to use words to indimated you, then you can try to diffuse him. Be confident and frank. Stand up straight. Keep your hands in front of you and be in a comfortable but ready position.

If the bully attacks you, protect yourself by any means necessary. Flee if you safely can. Fight yourself free then flee if needed.

In combat, the stronger person wins 90% of the time. Ask yourself, honestly, if you are stronger than the bully. If not, take the advantage with what are often considered 'cheap' tactics (eyes, groin, joints).

Break free and get free. Be shrewd or even merciless if you have to. If you do suffer another assault, you will feel much better about yourself that you did not let yourself be intimidated.

Your allies are your neighbours, friends, family, police, and courts. Your enemy is just one jerk. Use your allies. Keep in mind which allies will stand up to the bully.

Finally, there is no shame in fleeing. You are on the side of justice, and we need you to "survive and fight another day" and that battle is in court.

Answer 2

I would definately testify. Why is he not in jail already. He should not be out if he is mentally unstable. Get a restraining order if you have not already. Start a neighborhood watch so someone is always available to watch out for the children and others that might not be able to defend themselves against this monster. Ask the police to patrol the area more often until he is off the streets.

Answer 3

It's not what I would or would not do that counts...it's what YOU are willing to do.

I won't give you and answer; what I will do is outline your choices. You're going to have to make your own decision on this.

Choice #1: Testify and end the problem by putting the psycho away.

Choice #2: Don't testify and resign yourself to endless bullying by the guy; after all, you've proven to him that he can get away with it by not testifying against him. And when he kills someone later on, you'll have a nice, big load of grief to haul around for the rest of your life.

Those are your choices. The decision is yours.

Good luck....seriously. It's a tough choice, one that I've had to make myself.

And no, I won't tell you what my choice was until after you make yours.

Answer 4

I would testify. How could I sit by and watch him remain in siciety when I knew he was a possible threat to the well being ans safety of others. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

If you're concerned about "revenge" then relocate. Otherwise keep a cell phone for dialing 911 handy.

Answer 5

If the District Attorney/Prosecutor wants your testimony, they will get it. You will be subpoenaed to appear in court as a State witness. If they want you to testify, insist that they issue a subpoena for your appearance. If they want to take your deposition, again insist that they do it by subpoena. This way no one can say you are doing it on a voluntary basis, although I don't know why you wouldn't want to stop this person.

Good Luck, I know its a tough situation.

Answer 6

Testify. Ask the police what help they can offer as far as protection. I am surprised this guy is out on bond. Do the right thing!

Answer 7

Of course I would. If I could do something that would help that many people, I would, no problem. Plus, if I incurred the wrath of said psycho and he attacked me, I could just cap him and save a lot of people a lot of time and effort and a lot of the taxpayer's money.

I'd just watch my back.

Answer 8

Get yourself safe first of all. Can you move?

Second, I would keep a very good record if you have any contact with this person. The minute he comes near you, call the police. Get their help.

Third, I would testify.

Answer 9

Yes I would testify against him. If you don't, then eventually someone may die. Best of luck to you.