Help: I've been subpoena'd

[UncleDave]

Never, I repeat never talk with the police or a prosicutor without representation. That is what my lawyers always have told me.

[asmo]

If you get a lawyer you can "make" the party subpoenaing you pay for it in some cases. At a minimum you will be deposed - you should probably learn how to handle a deposition or at least have someone coach you on this. Testifying in court is a breeze - depositions can be a bitch.

[MarkCO]

Never, I repeat never talk with the police or a prosicutor without representation. That is what my lawyers always have told me.

So they can hand you a bill.

I testify on a regular basis, both criminal and civil. All they want is the facts, not a big deal. For the average person, it is part of what keeps some semblance of order in society.

Yes, I have had posts on-line read to me in depos and in trial. If you always tell the truth, you have nothing to worry about.

[kidicarus13]

If you get a lawyer you can "make" the party subpoenaing you pay for it in some cases. At a minimum you will be deposed - you should probably learn how to handle a deposition or at least have someone coach you on this. Testifying in court is a breeze - depositions can be a bitch.

Spend $500 on an attorney to make $40 testifying

[UncleDave]

I have been in many court cases. Anything that has any criminality to it, you don't go unrepresented. That has been my experience. I too have testified as an expert witness, even then I had the subpoenaing party pay my expenses. Better to cover your bases IMO, making sure you are not legally exposed in any way. Do as you wish though.

[hollohas]

I was served a subpoena in a criminal case once (a case associated with a very famous multi-state manhunt). I sat outside the courtroom for a couple days and was never called to the stand. I kinda knew I wouldn't be called because the defense attorney (who subpoenaed me) spent maybe 60 seconds with me before the trial. Had he actually planned on calling me I thought he would have spent a lot more time chatting with me.

[TheBelly]

I almost got called to testify in the Court Martial of my boss. I sat around in my dress uniform for four days and they didn't end up calling me. Ugh!

[cstone]

Comply with the subpoena. To do otherwise can get ugly. If you need legal advice, get it.

IMO, I would want to listen to the questions of whoever issued the subpoena before I made a decision on whether I need legal advice.

[2XS]

I got subpoena'd and actually had to go to court and testify. It was a traffic accident that I wasn't involved put I witnessed it all. It was kind of scary for sure having to go to court but really no big deal. If you don't show up then you could be in deep shet. Keep in mind your not in trouble your just a witness telling the court what you saw.

[bogie]

It's happened to me. Chances are you show up at court, wait all day, then the perp pleads out and you never take the stand. If you do, no sweat. Tell the truth and the dirt bag goes away if guilty. Witness intimidation is a BIG no no. Have an open mind and learn something about the judicial process!