hi,i'm only 14,and i'v been subopeaned to testify in court against someone,from what i've, read,i can't plead the fifth,because i'm not in danger of being placed in jail.
do i have to say a word?
can i just say i don't remember?
help me out here.
2007-02-21 09:39:06 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
ok, i'm not saying i'm not going to tell the truth,i just don't want to testify.
oh,and i am the victim.
2007-02-21 09:59:08 · update #1
if you testify in a court of law you must tell the truth or you can be charged with perjury. even saying 'i dont remember' is a lie if you really do remember and just dont want to say. you have nothing to lose if you tell the truth and the whole truth - but you can get yourself into a world of trouble trying to cover up for somebody else by lying. i hope you make the right descision, i know it's hard - but you've got to protect #1 - which is yourself.
2007-02-21 09:44:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well for him being 19 and her being 14 that just isn't right. At most him being 19 her being 17 is ok in my eyes. A two-three year difference is ok but not five and this is how the judge or jury will see the case. Its obvious that a 19 will commit sexual activities with a 14 because he wouldn't see an interest in her to begin with. However, to answer your question, yes you can but like someone already said. It wont hold as much for a minor to testify. So its a though call. Whatever you do get an extremely good lawyer because no 19 year old should go to jail for years just for a stupid mistake. I read an article the other day where a man went to jail for 8 years just for sexting a 13 year old girl. He was wrong for doing it but not wrong enough to get 8 years. That is just ridiculous.
2016-05-24 04:21:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have been subpoenaed to testify and choose not to do so, you could be held in contempt of court. You should always tell the truth. If you do not remember, you can say so. Do not make anything up just to answer a question. You should try to talk to the lawyer who is bringing you into court to see why they want you there. You probably cannot plead the 5th unless you have done something wrong that would place you in jeopardy of criminal charges. I would call a legal aid office to get advice in your jurisdiction. Good luck.
2007-02-21 09:44:48 · answer #3 · answered by docholiday 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ellstar-
I'm a police officer and a grown up, and testifying in court can still be scary for me sometimes, so that's normal.
Just relax, and answer the questions they ask honestly.
It's important to remember that as a victim, what you say is important in court. Whoever committed a crime against you might also do it again later to someone else. A lot of times it is helpful to remember that you are helping out someone else later on by being brave and doing what you have to do now.
Good luck, and try to relax. This really will be over before you know it.
2007-02-21 10:07:55 · answer #4 · answered by Citicop 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You obviously have already spoken with the police, the questions they ask you are mostly what you have already told them, sometimes a little more in depth. I would cooperate and testify, especially if you are the victim. If it is an issue of safety, make sure you ask for protection.
2007-02-21 15:33:48 · answer #5 · answered by Rick B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By law they can "make" you testify, often they won't, but if you are a victim you should be standing in line to get back at the person.
It is easy, just go in and answer thier question.
2007-02-21 10:27:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you refuse to appear or testify, you can be held in contempt of court. Just because you're a juvenile doesn't mean you can get out of it. Don't believe me? Call the CLERK OF COURT.
2007-02-21 09:43:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to a lawyer ( a lawyer can be provided for free at no charge if you have financial issues) and you have the right to refuse to answer any questions in which you feel uncomfortable aswering, but it is always best to try your best to answer all the questions being asked... and Good luck !!
2007-02-21 10:26:06 · answer #8 · answered by Princess Marie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You obviously know something that's very important.
You owe it to the victim to tell the truth.
If you don't, and the guy goes free...You would be responsible for any crimes that he commits afterwards.
2007-02-21 09:44:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you have to truthfully answer the questions......if you don't remember just say you don't remember. Honesty is the best policy. Try keeping your answers to a simple yes or no........don't ramble on.
2007-02-21 09:48:18 · answer #10 · answered by mmdevine_54945 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋