My friend is a victim in a lawsuit.?

Question

When she was a junior in highschool at the age of 17, she and her teacher had sexual intercourse in his classroom. Apparently, this has happened with several other students and one came forth. Alot of other students are reveling my friends name to the attorney saying that she was one of the females he had done this to and they have evidence that this is true. She doesn't believe that any of them have evidence, that maybe they are just trying to get her to confess. None of the other students will admit to the court that this has happened. The district attorney has called my friend and told her that they are supening her and making her go to trial. She wants to tell them but doesn't want to be on the news. It is already a big headline in our county. Can she admit to everything in court and ask not to be on the news or revel her identity? Her parents are major Christians and would really be disappointed in her. She is now married with a child and is really a good person.

Answer 1

There's pretty much no way she can hide her identity from the vultures who run the media. They don't care whether her parents will be upset or if she'll suffer from the exposure, once they find out who she is, they'll plaster her name and photos all over the paper and TV.

She's a victim here though, the teacher is the one who should be hiding from the media. Her parents should support her through this, if they don't then they're piss poor Christians, that's all I can say.

Answer 2

Your friend has several legal problems and she should seek the advice of an attorney right now. By failing to obey a DA subpoena she can be jailed; however, the DA wants her co-operation and it is the right thing to do.
If she had sex at 17 with a teacher the teacher is in deep trouble, not her. As a witness to a crime (adult having sex with a minor) she is obligated and has the civil duty to tell the truth in court.
In the event someone tells her differently they can be arrested and charged with coercing a witness to conceal a felony if it can be shown to have occured.
The DA appears to have little leverage at this point as she is failing to tell the truth or co-operate; this is foolish. The DA must do what they do and the press may be told to back away if she is a minor. As far as her identity, she needs to have her attorney answer that question to maybe strike a deal with the DA; however, if this goes to trial the suspect has a right to confront and cross-examine a witness-victim.
Either way, it appears a teacher is doing the unthinkable and she has a clear obligation to deal with it.

Answer 3

If there is a subpoena involved, it means that she has to attend and tell the truth to the court or face jail time for contempt of court.

Subpoenas are usually only prepared and handed out if there was enough evidence to prove to a judge that your friend did actually get involved with the teacher and has evidence that is important to the case.

I would think that her parents would be disappointed in her lack of judgment about the sex, but what is done is done.

My guess is that they would be more saddened if they found out their daughter was not a good Christian by allowing this teacher to coerce other students that he has influence over when she had information that might be able to prevent it in the future.

Perhaps she can talk to the prosecuter and give them a written statement, or let them know that she would have to be considered a "hostile witness" in that she refuses to say anything that might incriminate her or affect her standing in her community. But other than that, I don't think she has much choice.

Answer 4

She can talk to the DA and explain that is her problem with telling her story. They may be able to work with her. If she's an adult it may be released. It's unfortunate, but she is a VICTIM. It's not her fault, so her parents shouldn't be disappointed in her. She was taken advantage off and her testomony could prevent how she's feeling now, happening to any other girls. It would be the right thing to do and help her heal in the process.

Answer 5

You do have options. Option (1) you can allow them to subpoena your testimony and give it either in writing or orally; and Option (2) you can simply state that you have no "recollection" of this matter and go forward with your life -- if in fact you truly do not remember the incident. Lastly, we are all governed by our morals and self-awareness, if in fact you do know something you should let others know so that it does not happen to anyone else. Statistically speaking: 1 out of 3 females are raped victims.

Answer 6

Yes she can! She can make an application, to the court, that her identity and picture be subject to a publication ban. She should get a good lawyer on this issue as soon as possible. Once she is on the witness stand it will be too late.

Answer 7

Have your friend inform the Prosecution that while she doesn't remember this ever happening or not happening and while she is not denying it ever happened she just doesn't remember! - And if she is called upon to testify in Court - this will be the story she will have to tell the Jury.

It is not against the law to have a bad memory!

Unfortunately if she ever told anyone about this and they came forward and testified to this in court she could probably be charged with Perjury!

Good Luck!

Answer 8

have her talk to the county attorney & see if there is any victims rights laws for her situation. when someone is issued a subponea, they HAVE to go to court & testify. She could also petition the court to appear telephonically, for privacy reasons. there's plenty she could do, but she may want to talk to an attorney about her options.

Answer 9

If she were a good person she'd come forward and say what she did was wrong and what the teacher did was very wrong and make sure her testimony reign down justice onto this teacher.

Otherwise your friend isn't a good christian.

Answer 10

Yeah - she sounds like a great person - for a tramp.

If she were so great, she would have said 'No' because she knew that this was wrong.