Do I have to attend court in this situation?

[Perfect Timing]

I was working security in a nightclub and a guy was assaulted badly but to be honest nothing we haven't seen before but he was hit with a bottle police came and cornered off that part of the room. I didn't even see the actual incident I came into the room I saw glass and people crowding so I went over and the perpetrator put his hands up and walked downstairs with me where we took his id like we do with everyone in these situations.

He didn't argue and admited it was him who attacked the guy. I was asked for a statement by police even though I didn't see it and told them this yet they kept me behind. Now a year later they say I have to be a witness if the guy pleads not guilty.

["Gizzark" Mike Wronglevenay]

What exactly is stopping you?

[The Trashman]

If you were subpoenaed then yes.

[Limity (BLM)]

As far as I know, Shinske Yakamura is the only poster that's an attorney, so I would specifically seek him out.

The short answer, though, is maybe. Speaking from experience, they may need you to stipulate some random detail, perhaps what if anything was said between you and the guy, if you had any encounters with either of them before the incident, etc etc. You could also show up for the hearing and be stuck in the hallway for hours and never get called.

[Gus Richlen: Ruffian]

Jun 29, 2020 16:53:23 GMT -5 Limity (BLM) said:

As far as I know, Shinske Yakamura is the only poster that's an attorney, so I would specifically seek him out.

The short answer, though, is maybe. Speaking from experience, they may need you to stipulate some random detail, perhaps what if anything was said between you and the guy, if you had any encounters with either of them before the incident, etc etc. You could also show up for the hearing and be stuck in the hallway for hours and never get called.

O MIGHTY YAKMAN is ICHIBAN, WE SUMMON THEE!

[YAKMAN is ICHIBAN]

Jun 29, 2020 16:55:15 GMT -5 Gus Richlen: Ruffian said:

Jun 29, 2020 16:53:23 GMT -5 Limity (BLM) said:

As far as I know, Shinske Yakamura is the only poster that's an attorney, so I would specifically seek him out.

The short answer, though, is maybe. Speaking from experience, they may need you to stipulate some random detail, perhaps what if anything was said between you and the guy, if you had any encounters with either of them before the incident, etc etc. You could also show up for the hearing and be stuck in the hallway for hours and never get called.

O MIGHTY YAKMAN is ICHIBAN, WE SUMMON THEE!

Jun 29, 2020 16:41:39 GMT -5 The Trashman said:

If you were subpoenaed then yes.

What this guy said.

Do not take my comment as legal advice.

Also my experience since law school a decade ago is almost entirely in legal writing and I’ve never even participated in a court hearing as a litigant. So you probably don’t want to take advice from me anyway unless you’re a judge needing an opinion written, or a legislator needing a law written. (My current gig. Just had my first bill become law!)

[Perfect Timing]

Well I got a call and letter is that subpoenaed?

[DiBiase is Good]

Jun 29, 2020 23:08:10 GMT -5 Perfect Timing said:

Well I got a call and letter is that subpoenaed?

Going by previous posts of yours, I think you’re from the UK. So, have a read of this. It’s got UK specific information and contact numbers.
link

I’m sure there must be some contact details on the letter, call them and ask them for further advice. There may be different procedures in place at the moment due to the Coronavirus precautions but if that letter is a witness summons (subpoena) and you ignore it, you could end up in contempt.

Again, get further information from those in the know.

[Dr. T is an alien]

Jun 29, 2020 16:35:51 GMT -5 Perfect Timing said:

I was working security in a nightclub and a guy was assaulted badly but to be honest nothing we haven't seen before but he was hit with a bottle police came and cornered off that part of the room. I didn't even see the actual incident I came into the room I saw glass and people crowding so I went over and the perpetrator put his hands up and walked downstairs with me where we took his id like we do with everyone in these situations.

He didn't argue and admited it was him who attacked the guy. I was asked for a statement by police even though I didn't see it and told them this yet they kept me behind. Now a year later they say I have to be a witness if the guy pleads not guilty.

I mean, yes but there isn't a point. The fact that the guy admitted to you that he did it probably should not be admissible as it is hearsay. All you can testify is that you saw the aftereffects and he was the suspect. Your testimony will be riveting, I tell you.

[YAKMAN is ICHIBAN]

Jun 30, 2020 2:02:59 GMT -5 Dr. T is an alien said:

Jun 29, 2020 16:35:51 GMT -5 Perfect Timing said:

I was working security in a nightclub and a guy was assaulted badly but to be honest nothing we haven't seen before but he was hit with a bottle police came and cornered off that part of the room. I didn't even see the actual incident I came into the room I saw glass and people crowding so I went over and the perpetrator put his hands up and walked downstairs with me where we took his id like we do with everyone in these situations.

He didn't argue and admited it was him who attacked the guy. I was asked for a statement by police even though I didn't see it and told them this yet they kept me behind. Now a year later they say I have to be a witness if the guy pleads not guilty.

I mean, yes but there isn't a point. The fact that the guy admitted to you that he did it probably should not be admissible as it is hearsay. All you can testify is that you saw the aftereffects and he was the suspect. Your testimony will be riveting, I tell you.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_admission

A party admission isn’t hearsay generally, at least in the US.

Know nothing about UK evidence rules.

[polarbearpete]

In the US, if you were subpoenaed then you should appear. Don’t know anything about U.K. law.

[Brandon Walsh is Insane.]