What it's like a hearing in a case of domestic violence?

Question

I am the victim and I have a hearing in a couple of weeks. I would like to know how it works, Who is allow to be there, What my husband could do, Could he use past (events/situations/personal information about me that he knows) to hurt me/against me? What kind of questions will I have to answer different than the regular question about the incident? Should I get a lawyer? What is coming next?

Something else: If I don't show up to the hearings, will I get a subpoena in the future?

Answer 1

I would encourage you to call your District Attorney's office to ask questions. Believe me, you won't be bothering them because they need you to be educated too. It is important that you go to the hearing, though, because the judge could issue a subpoena to require you to be there. You do not need an attorney. You are the victim, so the District Attorney is representing you and the State.

The case will focus on the assault that led to the arrest.

The DA might plead the case out to avoid a trial so no one has to testify. There are several options the court has regarding conviction.

I would strongly encourage you to call the National Domestic Violence Helpline (1-800-799-SAFE) and ask for the domestic violence program that is closest to you. I run a program, and I go to court with a women for emotional support. Your local program will probably have resources and support for you.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. Please know that it isn't your fault, regardless of anything you might have said or done. No one is allowed to abuse, verbally, emotionally, sexually, or physically. You deserve better.

Please know, though, that most batterers do not stop their behavior just because they are charged with domestic assault. They might modify their behavior to avoid getting caught, but domestic violence is about control, so please don't wait for your husband to change his behavior. You are the one who decides that you want for your life and what makes you feel safe.

Answer 2

Bring a really big body guard and go! (:

Answer 3

you should have been given a victims advocate that would work with you and commonwealth attorney in your favor. you do have to be present or you may be looking at some legal trouble for failure to appear but with my experience the trial went so fast I blinked and it was over. i didnt have to testify and the victims advocate, commonwealth attorney and the defendant's court appointed attorney negotiated a plea deal that we all agreed to. good luck=]