Don't show up when subpoena to court?

Question

do you know what will REALLY happen? I know they can arrest you, but what's the chances that it will really happen? My ex violated his probation by contacting me. I reported him. now they want me to come in. I can't because i live 100 miles away and have no transportation. should i just tell the court i can't come in and why and leave it at that or just not show up?

Answer 1

you need to contact the court without a doubt there is always an option to testify over the phone-live.

if there is a subpoena for court slight risk of a warrent for arrest. very hard to say because these laws vary from state-city-county.

how soon do you have to be there...how about taking greyhound round trip....just a random thought. don't have to. don't worry if you can't.

hope they allow you to do a live testemony over the phone. proud of you for doing the right thing. stay strong there are many ways the court can help you out.

best wishes.

Answer 2

You need to contact the court clerk on the subpoena and explain to them, then send it to them by certified letter.

Answer 3

I would contact the Clerk of the Court that sent the subpoena and tell them what your problem is. They will, in all likelyhood get a benchwarrant for you if you fail to appear. That will probably earn you some time in jail.

Answer 4

If you do not show up, they will put a bench warrant out for your arrest, and most likely drop the charges on your ex. The bench warrant will not go away if you get pulled over for something as simple as a traffic violation, they can arrest you for failure to appear. If you contact the court and tell them why you're unable to attend they can either postpone the hearing or they can possible take your statement over the phone or through the mail  with a judge's permission.

Answer 5

Tell them why you can't show up, but if you are subpoenaed you are required to show up, and if you don't he will not be charged with violating his probation.

Answer 6

Whatever you do make sure a court official knows why you're not in court. If you don't the chances are pretty good you will be arrestted. If I were you, as soon as court opens for business (here that's 9:00 am), I'd call the Clerk of the Court and his Probation Officer and tell them what you told us. Once they here from you, you'll be in the clear. Just don't not show up or call.

Good luck.

Answer 7

I would call the court first and see what they have to say!

Explain to them that you live 100 miles away and don't have any transportation!

Since you reported him, they probably expect you to be there and that you knew that was possible when you reported him.

I know it is a contempt of court but if you call the courts, you may not have to show up..But...it is a slim chance!

DO NOT JUST HAVE A NO SHOW....then you are looking for trouble!

and since you reported your ex..it looks bad on your part if you DON"T show up since  they may think your lying about him contacting you!

You kind of started this court procedure so you should follow up with it in any way you can!

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Call the prosecutors office and tell them your issue.  If necessary they can make some arrangements for a deposition.  Just don't show up.  It could hurt any protection order you have and such.    Good Luck...

Answer 9

You should contact the court - your situation is reasonable for not showing up. If you don't show up and you don't contact them, then they will see it as uncontested it, or even that you were being frivolous in reporting him.

Believe me - just tell them it's ridiculous/impossible for you to show up because you live so far away and have no transportation, and you'll get a waiver. It can be done in your absence.