I have been wittness summons by the county court after I tried to withdraw my statement because of witness intimidation to myself and my family and I felt unsafe. I am intending to attend court but just wanted some advice on what to expect when I get there and whether they will ask me why I have been summons etc. I would be very grateful for some advice, thanks.
2007-01-26 22:28:00 · 4 answers · asked by STEPHEN C 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
First off go to the police NOW and repeat exactly what you have said here. To intimidate a witness is almost as bad as murder!!!
To the legal people it is a game, who can use the law to their advantage the better.
It depends who you are a witness for on what happens, but basically you sit in the reception and when you are called you go into a room and there will be several persons in there.
You will be asked to affirm who you are and to confirm you will tell the truth on oath. You will be asked questions but expected to only answer the questions and nothing else.
If you feel that the way a question is asked only allows part of an answer look at the judge and say to him that you feel that it is an incomplete answer.
If he asks you to elucidate then you may do so but not without his say so.
Always face the judge when making any responses irrespective of who asks the question.
I REPEAT THOUGH go and tell the police about the intimidation NOW. Even if necessary dial 999 and tell them.
2007-01-26 22:45:17 · answer #1 · answered by rinfrance 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thing for you to do in the immediate future is to contact the district attourney's office and tell them of the intimidation. You have the responsibility to testify and you have the right to be safe.
In court, you can expect to wait for the case to be called and you will be told to go to a waiting area away from the courtroom. Bring a book or ipod, it may take a while. They do not want your testimony to be affected by what you hear from other witnesses because their stories may be biased or wrong. When it's your time to speak, they will come get you and swear you in. You tell the truth.
Don't worry. It's not like the drama on TV. It's OK.
2007-01-26 22:45:37 · answer #2 · answered by Marty S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there no help at the court for witnesses? Most courts will be happy to help you if you contact them. Otherwise go to the police.
2007-01-26 22:45:55 · answer #3 · answered by Ilkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no matter what you were witness to, the lawyers will try to put words in your mouth. The only thing I can help you with is to say that you was there and this is what I saw and heard. try to keep it real short.
2007-01-26 22:39:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋