2007-02-20 00:16:01 · 4 answers · asked by iscan12345 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
What is your reason? If you have been subpoena'ed by a court, you should explain way before your scheduled hearing why you don't want to testify anymore. Otherwise, you could be cited for contempt and land in prison until you volunteer to take the witness stand.
2007-02-20 00:26:13 · answer #1 · answered by Lady_Lawyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. There's a big difference between being invited and being subpoenaed. If you're invited, you can always refuse the invitation for any number of reasons, but if you're subpoenaed you're facing contempt of court charges if you don't appear -- and they will send someone to arrest you and bring you before the court. Also, remember that a prosecutor may be able to convince a judge to issue a subpoena to you if you refuse an invitation to testify. Forewarned is forearmed.
2007-02-20 08:25:40 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it very seriously, based on I was subpoenaed to court as a witness for the state. If I had rejected going to court I could have been arrested since papers were served. Do you fear for your life? If so let the state attorney office know. They usually have literature explaining your rights and there procedures. I'm not a lawyer but this is my opinion.
2007-02-20 08:30:41 · answer #3 · answered by nanaofthree 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends--have they been asked, or have they been subpoenaed? If you've had a subpoena served on you to testify, that's a court order for you to appear, and you're subject to being held in contempt, and possibly imprisoned, if you don't. Even if they just ask, and you say no, they may resort to subpoenaing you anyway, especially since it's the prosecution. It means your testimony may be key to convicting the accused.
2007-02-20 08:27:25 · answer #4 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋