Need opinions of legality of act

[Astrolink]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota

First, this may start out to sound like a family law question, but please read it to the end.

In my county, I suspect the procedure for getting non-custodial parents to the courtroom may be illegal.

First, the custodial parent is told to arrive 30 minutes early, and is sent independently to the courtroom.

The non-custodial parent is sent to a waiting area. When the time of the hearing arrives, a deputy sheriff escorts you to the courtroom. I have been told I cannot go to the courtroom by myself; that I must be escorted by law enforcement.

Is this legal? First of all, I don't have a criminal record or any violent past, and the procedure described applies to all non-custodial parents.

If I were to run from the officer to the courtroom, I highly suspect they would subdue me. Am I then, not in their custody during the escort? If I understand the law correctly, if I am in their custody, I must be either accused of, or suspected of commiting a crime, which has not occurred. Is this procedure legal?

 

[Ohiogal]

Its not illegal. It is put into place to protect the parties. And it is legal to have an officer of the court escort you.

 

[CdwJava]

You are not being escorted because you are a criminal - you are escorted for your safety, the safety of the court, and as part of court policy. If you don't like it, don't go to court.

- Carl

 

[Astrolink]

"If you don't like it, don't go to court."

I wish it were that easy. My ex has not agreed with the guideline amount the last couple times, and she requests the hearings. I have no choice but to attend.

 

[moburkes]

"If you don't like it, don't go to court."

I wish it were that easy. My ex has not agreed with the guideline amount the last couple times, and she requests the hearings. I have no choice but to attend.

The point is that you don't HAVE to attend. However, you must be willing to suffer the consequences.

 

[fairisfair]

The point is that you don't HAVE to attend. However, you must be willing to suffer the consequences.

and then you will get a REAL escort!!