Cost of being a good citizen?

[ultrarunner]

I reported a property crime in progress calling 911.

Apparently the excellent video surveillance system the business has in place resulted in the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

I found this out when subpoenaed to appear as a witness by the District Attourney.

The incident occurred to a neighboring establishment while I was on the job doing my property rounds.

My dilemma is I have now appeared 4 times at the court house 25 miles away and each time after about half a day the motion to continue is granted which means another trip at a later date to the court house.

My employer was at first very enthusiastic as all the local businesses are experiencing a rash of property crime… now not so much as my departure is affecting patient care at the hospital…

For those that know… is there a limit to how many times a witness can be subpoenaed by the prosecution?

I had no contact nor could I identify party(s) involved and can only testify as to the time I heard the glass shatter and seeing someone leaving premises through the shattered glass carrying a sack and speed off in a waiting car…

PS… the owner of the affected business has not made or been asked to appear in court and was surprised when I said I have???

 

[jaxs]

I make no secret of the fact I have a low opinion of lawyers in general. They have little consideration for what's decent.moral and common sense,it's all about which can beat the other over the head with points in law. I'm not sure who or how to approach but if appearing is a hardship the judge can allow testimony via satellite if and when it's needed. I'd contact the local victims of crime advocacy group as a start.

 

[ultrarunner]

It’s more about a colossal waste of time plus it’s always on the busiest surgery day of the week…

Have not missed a busy surgery day but once in the last 16 years and now 4 times in 6 weeks…

Court does provides proof of my appearance for employer…

Maybe it’s just a strategy of the defense.

I have a better understanding why some are reluctant to become involved…

 

[scaredychicken]

ultrarunner - I spent a lot of time in Court, as a witness, community corrections supervisor, etc during my Corrections career.

what I am not undestanding is why they would subpoena you as a witness, to appear, for essentially every court date that the offender is required to attend ???
most Court cases have several court dates
I imagine that you are a witness for the Prosecutor (not the Defense)
did you already provide a written witness statement to the police or the prosecutor ?
most witnesses would only be required to attend the trial date(s), IF and when the matter would actually go to trial.

I think that I would discuss your concerns with the Prosecutor directly to determine when (date ?) your witness testimony is actually required. they likely don't require Your appearance for every court date.
- time, and missed work
- driving and gas

I applaud you for being a good citizen.

 

[sd455dan]

Should be able to do a video or phone conference call with the judge and lawyers "on the record"
Still get sworn in and cross examined.

With the continuances, it might save several road trips.

 

[ultrarunner]

I’m not sure but it has not gone to trail yet… motions and plea deals back and forth.

First was defense waived right to speedy trail??? In and out rather quick.

Second new evidence introduced so defense asked for time to review which also happened on third visit.

Last visit I was told I should be in and out quick and then told plea was I’m on table and 90 minutes later plea rejected but other cases pending so rescheduled.

Not use to seeing so many well dressed people… mostly lawyers and clerks I guess?

Where I work we all dress about the same in scrubs…

Apparently there are multiple charges from a crime spree and I am only one small piece but the one that resulted in arrest… not many speeding get away cars at 4:30 am!

 

[scaredychicken]

so it is not even at the trial point yet.

in the 1000s of cases that I've been involved in (many times as a witness), my testimony was only needed when the evidence was produced / or at trial / or at sentencing (where I was typically involved).

I don't understand why they need Your appearance throughout ? Seems sloppy, and a waste of time for everyone.


- of course, I am in Canada. I did however do a practicum for 2 yrs at the local District Court house in Michigan

 

[jaxs]

Runner said in his original post the delays or due to court granting continuances.
Continuance basically means what it sounds like: an attorney in a court case asks the court to stop a trial or hearing temporarily for it to be continued at a later time. A continuance is not the same as a recess, such as a recess for lunch.
It's above all our pay grades so we aren't going to figure it out to everyone's satisfaction. Have you not heard of lawyers keeping cases out of court until key witness dies or something else happens that allows defendant to go free without being tried? happens all the time.

 

[Alan W.]

Runner said in his original post the delays or due to court granting continuances.
Continuance basically means what it sounds like: an attorney in a court case asks the court to stop a trial or hearing temporarily for it to be continued at a later time. A continuance is not the same as a recess, such as a recess for lunch.
It's above all our pay grades so we aren't going to figure it out to everyone's satisfaction. Have you not heard of lawyers keeping cases out of court until key witness dies or something else happens that allows defendant to go free without being tried? happens all the time.

So your sayin theres a hit out on ultrarunner.
If he goes into witness protection will he still be able to post on hear.
Just asking.

 

[MossRoad]

One of the biggest problems in this country is people don’t want to take the time to do the right thing because it’s inconvenient or costly to themselves. I applaud you for doing the right thing.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I reported a property crime in progress calling 911.

Apparently the excellent video surveillance system the business has in place resulted in the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

I found this out when subpoenaed to appear as a witness by the District Attourney.

The incident occurred to a neighboring establishment while I was on the job doing my property rounds.

My dilemma is I have now appeared 4 times at the court house 25 miles away and each time after about half a day the motion to continue is granted which means another trip at a later date to the court house.

My employer was at first very enthusiastic as all the local businesses are experiencing a rash of property crime… now not so much as my departure is affecting patient care at the hospital…

For those that know… is there a limit to how many times a witness can be subpoenaed by the prosecution?

I had no contact nor could I identify party(s) involved and can only testify as to the time I heard the glass shatter and seeing someone leaving premises through the shattered glass carrying a sack and speed off in a waiting car…

PS… the owner of the affected business has not made or been asked to appear in court and was surprised when I said I have???

First mistake is you gave your name. My name is "concerned citizen" on a call like that. You can't really help because you can't identify any person. But, now they know YOU made the call, so you'll get dragged to court until it is over. Also, you have to worry about them letting criminals off, and they know your name and address. Then they burn you out. I'd be putting valuable important things in a safe place protected from that. I've seen deputies move someone that very night over a 400 dollar deal. At least you will be in good shape with the IRS in a burn out situation. Make good use of it.

 

[MossRoad]

Makes my earlier point.

 

[blee03]

No good deed goes unpunished.

Definitely a pain in the rear...

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

It’s more about a colossal waste of time plus it’s always on the busiest surgery day of the week…

Have not missed a busy surgery day but once in the last 16 years and now 4 times in 6 weeks…

Court does provides proof of my appearance for employer…

Maybe it’s just a strategy of the defense.

I have a better understanding why some are reluctant to become involved…

The justice system is trying to teach you to leave things alone, you just don't see it yet.

 

[plowhog]

I'd call the DA office to find out why you are receiving a subpoena to appear at court events when your appearance isn't even necessary.

The first appearance you described is a formality in the legal process- waiving the right to a speedy trial. It has nothing to do with determining guilt or innocence of the party, which is what your information could be relevant to. There is no reason why you would be needed for that appearance on that date; therefore, why did you receive a subpoena? Is there a junior person in the DA office that is issuing a rash of subpoenas that are not needed?

 

[2manyrocks]

There's a lot of procedural gamesmanship back and forth between the prosecution and the defense, neither of whom likely have much regard for anything other than they've got this case and are each trying to control the outcome.

The defense may be hoping that you don't show up when needed most so they can get the defendant off due to lack of proof. You seem to be the one that can identify the defendant.

 

[jmc]

Don't change out of your scrubs. Smear some ketchup on them. Tell'em you gotta get back....

 

[Snobdds]

Nice guys finish last. Those that learn this in High School are much further along in the game of life than those that learn this later in life.

-Snobdds

 

[Snobdds]

Our judicial system is a hamster wheel of dysfunction. We were much better off when we had higher incarceration rates. Sorry, but true.

Therefore we need to build a lot more prisons and fill them up. If we as a society become complicit to crime, there will be a point we get shot with our own gun.

 

[riceski]

I reported a property crime in progress calling 911.

Apparently the excellent video surveillance system the business has in place resulted in the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

I found this out when subpoenaed to appear as a witness by the District Attourney.

The incident occurred to a neighboring establishment while I was on the job doing my property rounds.

My dilemma is I have now appeared 4 times at the court house 25 miles away and each time after about half a day the motion to continue is granted which means another trip at a later date to the court house.

My employer was at first very enthusiastic as all the local businesses are experiencing a rash of property crime… now not so much as my departure is affecting patient care at the hospital…

For those that know… is there a limit to how many times a witness can be subpoenaed by the prosecution?

I had no contact nor could I identify party(s) involved and can only testify as to the time I heard the glass shatter and seeing someone leaving premises through the shattered glass carrying a sack and speed off in a waiting car…

PS… the owner of the affected business has not made or been asked to appear in court and was surprised when I said I have???

This is most likely too late but for reference simply call the D/A and tell them it's a hardship and that you will sign an affidavit but that appearance is impossible. He or she will most likely be glad to work with you.