A former friend of mine got into trouble with the property mgr and attempted to "strangle him". He is being charged with "assault causing bodily harm". My friend says it was a "set-up" and if he wins he will take out a lawsuit against the property mgr for $. If the property mgr wins he will sue my friend for "damages".
My friend needs help as he will probably get probation. I think probation is not enough...he needs "mental help" as he has a terrible temper ;is a control freak; is immature and unstable and likes to be admired all the time.
The prosecutor needs to know this information ...but I do not want to be called to the stand in the court as the person who gave the information and be "cross-examed etc. How do I tell the prosecutor without making myself a witness etc. My former friend will take out a lawsuit against ME if I get involved.
He needs help = doesn't realize it. He is not stable. He works , makes alot of money but that is all. He prides himself on being an Indian man.
2007-03-16 11:29:11 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
dont involve yourself. nothing you have said here would be considered evidence or great testimony. let the prosecutor do his job. your friend cant sue you or the property manager. just walk away from this drama.
2007-03-16 20:04:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have knowledge of the crime or the person involved then you are bound to come forward . It is then up to the prosecutor as to whether you will be required to testify.
If you are asked and refuse then you will be compelled to by subpeoana, if you still refuse to testify you will be charged with obstruction and contempt of court. That equals jail.
If you do turn up and dont co-o[erate you will be treated as a hostile witness which will make you look bad and probably your friend will win.
You cannot be sued for acting as a witness in court and if your friend has told you this he can be charged with intimidating a witness which carries a 5 year minimum.
I dont care what race he prides himself being , he has to be dealt with by law and if what you say about him is true and you do not come forward, then you are part of his problem . Not his solution.
If you dont come forward next time he might kill, that could have implications for you.
2007-03-16 11:43:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak to the prosecutor. Most will listen.
But if you do, also be prepared to be called to the stand.
The prosecutor may have no choice.
And your former friend cannot sue you for what you say as part of a criminal prosecution. That's a specific immunity to civil defamation suits.
2007-03-16 11:38:25 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit with the prosecutor, and tell him everything you have related here. The prosecutor may well be able to use your information without you being formally involved as a witness.
2007-03-16 11:34:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it sounds to me as if you are not an eye-witness and you claim your friend told you it was a set-up, so you have no basis for saying anything to anyone from a legal standpoint.
Now if your friend told you exactly what happened, then that could be admissible in court, but only if you testified.
2007-03-16 11:36:45 · answer #5 · answered by Steve T. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe an anonymous phone call or email, maybe an unsigned letter. but if you approach the prosecutor directly, i'm pretty sure he/she could subpeona you, and you wouldn't have a choice about testifying. maybe you could do an "off the record" conversation, but not everybody is willing to do that. hopefully it all works out and your friend gets the help he needs. do what feels right.
2007-03-16 11:39:15 · answer #6 · answered by purple 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it would be better to let it play out on it's own.
I know that type...
Usually the only one who will really believe him when he says that he was "setup" is himself.
You are his friend, he has no reason to lie to you, right?
Did you believe him?
Pride goes before the fall.
2007-03-16 11:45:22 · answer #7 · answered by American Citizen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its called what is the right thing to do .you know if it doesn't stop now it may get more serious maybe even death .so buck up testify
2007-03-16 11:36:38 · answer #8 · answered by josh s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sounds kinda scary....make an anonymous phone call.
2007-03-16 12:08:04 · answer #9 · answered by Peach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you wont be able to avoid it, if u tell him and he uses it ull have to be called for it to count. he cant just say so and so says he needs to be locked up, thats hearsay.
2007-03-16 11:39:16 · answer #10 · answered by Joe V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋