Um my step dad started a lawsuit against somebody because he thought they did something wrong to me and I never wanted to start this. Now I'm suppossed to go to court in 14 days and I'm so scared. I don't want to testify. I like this person a lot and they did nothin wrong. Is there anyone that I can ask to help me. Can I just refuse to testify?
2007-05-16 11:31:10 · 10 answers · asked by :)) 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
This has been going on for about a year and a half and I've had to tlak to the lawyer but they're so mean to me and nobody believes me. I'm only 15 by the way so its not like I can get away from my house either.
2007-05-16 11:40:14 · update #1
If you have been subpoened, you cannot refuse to testify. And you cannot plead the 5th Amendment unless your testimony incriminates you legally. (That means if your testimony would convict you of a crime). If this is a nice person and did nothing wrong, just testify to that in court. Afterall, you will have taken an oath to tell the truth. If you have not been subpoened, you do not have to testify.
2007-05-16 11:41:11 · answer #1 · answered by David M 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Were you served with a subpoena? If so then that is a court order to appear and testify if needed, and you have to go. Otherwise you could be charged with contempt of court. But if you were not served, then you do not have to go. If you do testify, then just tell the truth.
2007-05-16 11:39:34 · answer #2 · answered by LawDawg 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you are subpoenaed and you do not appear, you can be held in contempt.
I think it would be OK if you tell the truth, and say that you never wanted to start this and you don't think the other person did anything wrong.
Your step dad might be angry, but you should tell the truth.
Alternatively, you can go to your step dad NOW, and tell him the truth and how you feel, and ask him to drop the lawsuit.
Best of luck to you
2007-05-16 11:37:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
If you are subpoenaed as a witness and don't show up, you could be held in contempt of court. Just go, and plead the 5th amendment on each question. This will however piss you dad off something fierce, so if you are ready to deal with that, you have my advice.
2007-05-16 11:36:18 · answer #4 · answered by progunr 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You just don't talk to them. Don't go. No penalties for not showing up in a civil suit, but once you are sworn in if you lie you can get in trouble.
Try to get your Dad to let it go.
If you lied about something to your Dad and he is doing this because of that, then just fess up and ask his forgiveness.
He'll still love you
2007-05-16 11:35:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
So if they did nothing wrong, why do they want you to testify, all you will testify to is that they did nothing wrong ???
2007-05-16 12:03:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Try explaining to your dad how you feel. Maybe he will forgo the money to spare you.
2007-05-16 11:39:28 · answer #7 · answered by TAT 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, you can refuse to testify
2007-05-16 11:34:07 · answer #8 · answered by The Shadow Knows 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi:
Yes yes yes, it up to you now to say something or nothing.
Thanks:
Keith
2007-05-16 11:40:00 · answer #9 · answered by keith_560 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, that is your personal decision, your step dad might be mad but if you don't want to then it is your right to not
2007-05-16 11:34:42 · answer #10 · answered by Shira 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋