Igot subpoenaed into court andI don’t want to testify. What canI do?
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Igot subpoenaed into court andI don’t want to testify. What canI do?
I witnessed somethings and now I have to testify and I fear my family’s well being. He is a very bad guy to tell on and he will hurt my family.They told me if I don’t, they will put me in jail.
Asked on June 26, 2009 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
B. B., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
You need to talk to an attorney in your area about your rights. There are quite a few more facts to be considered here, but there is a small chance that a lawyer may be able to get rid of ("quash") the subpoena. This process would have to be started right away. One place to find a lawyer is our website, http://attorneypages.com
If you don't go to court as the subpoena requires, that's contempt of court; if your testimony on the witness stand is too different from a sworn statement you already gave to the police or prosecutor, you could be found guilty of perjury. And you can go to jail for either one of those.
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