So, the other day the police came to my door and handed me a paper. On it, it said I needed to appear in court the testify against my uncle! We had an incident a few months ago, in which he went to jail, and got out. Now, the state it against him, and I have to appear in front of a jury. Ok, it says If I dont appear I will be subbject to arrest, is this for any ages? Like, is it only for 16 and up, or something? What will I have to do? What is it like? I need some support and help. Lol, what do I wear? Need to know! Please any advice, and answers will be appreciate!
2007-08-11 15:08:19 · 10 answers · asked by Jeff 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If you were given a subpoena to appear in court then you must do so, regardless of your age. If you do not show up you can and probably will be charged with contempt of court, which is a crime.
Wear a decent set of clothing, such as business casual. You don't need to wear a suit unless you are an officer or expert. Just remember that your clothing will give the jury an impression of you from the second they see you, before you even open your mouth.
Don't lie...it won't do anyone any good. Say you do lie, then ten minutes later you are asked a variant of the same question, and your answer is different, then what? Easier ust to be honest and straightforward.
If you don't know the answer to a question, respond with "I do not know the answer."
If you don't understand a question, respond with "Can you please repeat the question, I do not understand."
You won't be looked upon negatively, and its better to be assertive and state you don't understand.
2007-08-12 02:56:04 · answer #1 · answered by Vindicaire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should follow the warrant/summons - but you aren't required to give any information. Just don't lie/purger.
If you don't feel comfortable answering something don't.
It is likely a SUBPOENA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subpoena
FYI - if they coach you to say things they could be doing illegal things and if they threaten you directly or indirectly that is a no no as well.
Contact the courts directly if you have any questions - not the prosecutor or the police - you can contact them but I'd contact the courts themselves - they may refer you to legal aid or instruct you to speak with a lawyer.
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COURT SUCKS BIG TIME, it is incredibly boring and wastes HUGE ammounts of time for often trivial things - at other times it serves a purpose that isn't entirely anal.
As always you don't need to do anything. But they will likely get you to sit next to the judge for a bit and answer questions they have so they can establish "facts" about the situation.
It is your perogative to answer or not but if you refuse to answer you may get in trouble - if you lie, you can also get in trouble. however from personal experience witnesses often "forget" facts that make them look bad and lie about things that incriminate the person they are out to get.
you are suppose to tell the truth as well as you know it.
Questions that are asked should not be leading but instead meant to establish a fact. Do not give yes or no answers explain your answers.
I wouldn't be too caught up on your dress either - the court house could have a dress code - but you cannot be prevented from appearing - if you are then it would be obstruction on the part of the police. Technically I find the dress code thing to be complete BS, and fashion policing, and complete snobbery to expect 'a dress code' in a free society.
IF you are then you are not liable for a no show if you are barred from entering the court, because you have a court order stating you should be there..
I'd be suprisded if they prohibited you from fullfilling the subpeona because you had a rip in your pants - very suprised, and if the cops did i don't think you'd be accountable.
it should be dress however you feel like - it is your sense of fashion - as long as your clothing isn't offensive to the public then I wouldn't worry.
2007-08-11 15:14:24 · answer #2 · answered by intracircumcordei 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the paper says, if you don't appear you will be subject to arrest. You have to show up no matter what your age is. It wouldn't hurt to talk to a lawyer, especially if you did anything illegal during the "incident." (Don't take any advice from your uncle's lawyer, by the way.) You can probably find one who will talk to you on the phone for free.
As for what to wear, nice slacks with a shirt and tie should do fine for someone your age. I would wear a suit, but I am nearly 40.
One other thing. TELL THE TRUTH!
2007-08-11 15:23:58 · answer #3 · answered by robert f 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Anyone can be served a notice to appear -- most states cut off the line around 10 or 12, below that being too young.
Wear something nice -- button-up shirt, slacks -- don't carry a lot of metal (big giant key rings, wallet chains, etc) in your pocket.
Just go, be respectful, answer the questions asked, tell the truth, and you'll be fine.
2007-08-11 15:19:16 · answer #4 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's a subpoena, and it's for any age. If you are a minor, I am surprised they served you, and not a parent on your behalf. But, I only know Texas law. If your are testifying on the state's behalf, the DA should contact you to go over your testimony. They will fill you in on all the questions you posted. If you are testifying on your uncle's behalf, his attorney will answer those questions as well.
Be honest, dress in "you sunday best", and follow the directions of the attorney.
2007-08-11 15:19:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You may want to contact a lawyer to find out what rights this could affect for international travel in the future, but generally speaking we do not have an extradition treaty with Russia. This is because they refuse to honor our request to have extradition. In fact, I don't believe Russia has one with anyone. So too bad so sad... for Russia. Do you ever have any plans to go back to Russia? If so, then that might make it impossible to do so. And are you an American citizen? Even if you were Russian, but have American citizenship, you would most likely be protected since they refuse to honor any extradition with us. But again, you may want to contact a lawyer to learn your rights, as this stuff could affect you in other travels, if you were to have some flag on your passport due to their getting all pissy pants about it.
2016-05-20 02:24:23 · answer #6 · answered by jeanette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Appear. Testify. Listen to the questions and answer them truthfully. If its a yes or no then answer yes or no. If you don't know the answer, say you don't know.
That simple.
Failure to appear and testify is a contempt of court and you go to the pokey for it.
2007-08-11 15:21:04 · answer #7 · answered by krollohare2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try not to worry to much, just remember your not the one in trouble.
Wear a smart shirt and trousers, speak clearly and calmly. If you don't understand a question ask them to explain it again.
Good luck you will be just fine, as long as you tell the truth.
2007-08-12 05:27:02 · answer #8 · answered by marfy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to appear, no matter what your age. Just relax, dress nice and go with tthe flow.
2007-08-11 15:16:37 · answer #9 · answered by relaxed 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just show up. the prosecutor will probadly display you as an hostile witness anyway.
2007-08-11 15:21:27 · answer #10 · answered by Lerat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋