Help: I've been subpoena'd

[drift_g35]

About a year ago I was driving home from the grocery store and was stopped at the light on Alameda and Sheridan. Something happened. We called 911, and I waited until they showed up. They never asked anything, just for my name.

Well, a year later i get a call from the detective telling me he needs to drop off a subpoena, and I will be required to testify.

Is this anything I should be worried about? Do I need a lawyer? Is it going to be like the movies where the guy is going to come after me in 10 years when he gets out and kill my family? This is just new to me so I have no idea what to expect.

[ChunkyMonkey]

No, you dont need a lawyer. Yes, it is wise to talk to a lawyer just to understand what you will be going through if you wish to. I wouldnt post detail of the event publically. I had to testify for a bank fraudulent case in Ohio. Defendant legal team hired private investigator to follow me around etc. So it is best not to open your mouth in the public and allow them to discredit you. I hope that scumbag get convicted. Good luck to you.

[drift_g35]

No, you dont need a lawyer. Yes, it is wise to talk to a lawyer just to understand what you will be going through if you wish to. I wouldnt post detail of the event publically. I had to testify for a bank fraudulent case in Ohio. Defendant legal team hired private investigator to follow me around etc. So it is best not to open your mouth in the public and allow them to discredit you. I hope that scumbag get convicted. Good luck to you.

So you are saying I should probably redact my statement above?

Edit. fixed.

[ChunkyMonkey]

So you are saying I should probably redact my statement above?

no details. lawyers love to contradict you over the smallest detail in any of your statements.

[crays]

I wouldn't worry about the bandana, but when they see your ball-gag and handcuffs, the line of questioning might take a turn...

Kidding...

Sorry, I have nothing of value to contribute, other than that the likelihood of the perp hunting you down is probably very, very slim. If it gives you piece of mind, you could always consult an attorney for advisement on what to expect in/during/from the proceedings.

ETA: Saw Chunky's posts when I refreshed, and that sounds like good advice.

[ChunkyMonkey]

I wouldn't worry about the bandana, but when they see your ball-gag and handcuffs, the line of questioning might take a turn...

Kidding...

Sorry, I have nothing of value to contribute, other than that the likelihood of the perp hunting you down is probably very, very slim. If it gives you piece of mind, you could always consult an attorney for advisement on what to expect in/during/from the proceedings.

Yep, prosecutor usually doesnt proceed unless they know they can get conviction or a guilty plea. My bet is it will be over before you know it. It's not like the 'high profile' cases we see on TV.

[drift_g35]

Its really a big inconvenience haha. I get married weekend before and am supposed to leave that week for my honeymoon.

[Ronin13]

Is it going to be like the movies where the guy is going to come after me in 10 years when he gets out and kill my family?

You're on the case as a witness, correct? No don't worry about this- they usually don't do that IRL, at least I've heard of so few cases that you're in more danger trying to buy a bag of crack while stepping out of your 2014 Yukon Denali... Besides (warning, tongue in cheek), there are laws against intimidation and retribution against witnesses... and we all know laws stop bad things from happening.
Besides, you're a gun owner, I hope you have a CCW, I think you'll be okay. Good luck, and usually the DA will help you out, go through the questions you'll be asked, and make you as comfortable as possible.

[drift_g35]

You're on the case as a witness, correct? No don't worry about this- they usually don't do that IRL, at least I've heard of so few cases that you're in more danger trying to buy a bag of crack while stepping out of your 2014 Yukon Denali... Besides (warning, tongue in cheek), there are laws against intimidation and retribution against witnesses... and we all know laws stop bad things from happening.
Besides, you're a gun owner, I hope you have a CCW, I think you'll be okay. Good luck, and usually the DA will help you out, go through the questions you'll be asked, and make you as comfortable as possible.

Yes as a witness.

[funkymonkey1111]

did the detective say what the subpoena is for? a hearing or trial?