subpoened and scared

I've been subpoened and I don't want to appear in court. I feel that the police who interrogated me coerced me into telling what I did. Furthermore I'm a bit scared of what the person I testify against might say? Do I have to go? I don't want advice on witness protection. And keep in mind that this is just a misdemeanor (Disorderly Conduct).

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by confusedscared:
I've been subpoened and I don't want to appear in court. I feel that the police who interrogated me coerced me into telling what I did. Furthermore I'm a bit scared of what the person I testify against might say? Do I have to go? I don't want advice on witness protection. And keep in mind that this is just a misdemeanor (Disorderly Conduct).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

I think you should sit down and read the Subpoena. I don't think you'll read anywhere on the Subpoena that your appearance is discretionary.

A Subpoena is a Court Order, a command, that you appear. With the exception of a provable emergency; e.g., you're in the hospital with two broken legs, you had better appear in court as commanded. Don't screw around with an Order - - judges get really upset with persons who fail to obey a command and an order.

If you fail to appear as commanded and ordered, you will be subjected to a hefty fine and, perhaps, even jail time, because the trial may not go forward due to the fact you failed to appear for testimony.

IAAL



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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE:
My response:

I think you should sit down and read the Subpoena. I don't think you'll read anywhere on the Subpoena that your appearance is discretionary.

A Subpoena is a Court Order, a command, that you appear. With the exception of a provable emergency; e.g., you're in the hospital with two broken legs, you had better appear in court as commanded. Don't screw around with an Order - - judges get really upset with persons who fail to obey a command and an order.

If you fail to appear as commanded and ordered, you will be subjected to a hefty fine and, perhaps, even jail time, because the trial may not go forward due to the fact you failed to appear for testimony.

IAAL


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Actually the subpoena doesn't say at all that I have to appear it just has the defendent's name and my name as a witness for the commonwealth. Its more addressed to her than it is to me. It tells her what she has to do, it doesn't say anything about me. That's why I'm worried that they only send out one form and that she has a form saying the same thing and therefore knows who I am.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by confusedscared:

Actually the subpoena doesn't say at all that I have to appear it just has the defendent's name and my name as a witness for the commonwealth. Its more addressed to her than it is to me. It tells her what she has to do, it doesn't say anything about me. That's why I'm worried that they only send out one form and that she has a form saying the same thing and therefore knows who I am.

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My response:

So, why didn't you say that originally? Is there anything else you didn't say? Don't you think that this new information was important to say the first time?

Call the D.A. that served the subpoena and find out what's going on.

IAAL


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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE:

My response:

So, why didn't you say that originally? Is there anything else you didn't say? Don't you think that this new information was important to say the first time?

Call the D.A. that served the subpoena and find out what's going on.

IAAL

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I said I was confused sorry. There is something else the information I know is heresay. All I know is what information was told to me after the event happened. Does that count for anything?