I witnesses a crime and reported it. They caught the person who did it and now I have to report to court.?

Question

I received a letter from the state attorney saying to report to court and that it was necessay. I was wondering if it is mandatory that I report to court. I don't want the person who did the crime to know it was me who called the cops. I gave my statement to the cops twice so why do I have to go. The person broke into a car and stole the radio.

Answer 1

it was you, you did it, lock her up,,,,

thats the police for you,,,,,

no wonder nobody sees or knows nothing

Answer 2

1. call them

2. dont go and if they call you say i never received any letter. must have ben lost in the mail.

Answer 3

they already know, as their attorney has the police report.

you have to go because now you will be a witness in the trial.

if you don't go, what will happen is the guy will go free, knowing who you are anyway, and you will be charged with contempt of court.

Edit - you can pretend the guy doesn't know you, but it is jsut sticking your head in the sand. He has a trial pending, which means he has an attorney, and the attorney has all the evidence in the case to be presented. It is called "discovery". Anytime the guy asks, he can get it. Or he can just take a shot and guess and intimidate you in the neighborhood - he will know he guessed right by your reaction.

And then what will you have gained?

Answer 4

anytime you are a witness to a crime and is called by the state to testify..you are under the law to attend the court hearing or face 'comtempt of court' charges

Answer 5

Do you want them to get away with it go free and do it again?

Answer 6

Anything you told the police is not admissible in the court of law. If it was a subpoena the attorney sent you, then you have to go or stay in jail on the charge of contempt. You don't have to if it was not a subpoena.  

Answer 7

The District Attorney may compell you to appear if the case is weak and your testimony will asure a conviction.