Court Summons?
Do i have to go to court if i'm the victim in a case that the state pursude for domestic violence?
What if i dont want to?
Answers:
Why don't you want to, is probably more important.
Legally, once you get a summons, you have to go unless you can come up with a reaaaallly good reason not to, and the judge excuses you.
If you feel that you will be targeted or hurt if you testify, then make sure the prosecutor and the judge is aware of this, then they can take steps to protect you, like video testimony or even police protection.
Otherwise, you better go, or they can hold you in contempt and even possibly arrest you.
You do not have to attend all court hearings, but if it goes to trial you will have to attend and possibly testify. You need to check with the State Attorney's office to find out which hearings you will need to appear at.
When someone is charged in a criminal case, the crime is against the state, not against an individual. However, the individuals involved usually have to testify; otherwise, the state won't have a case (remember the Kobe Bryant rape case? They had to drop charges because she wouldn't testify). Generally, if you are served with a subpoena, you have to testify, or be in contempt. However, local district attorneys realize there is nothing to be gained by forcing complaining witnesses to testify, so they usually don't. However, there could be alternate arrangements made (like having you testify by closed circuit TV), so check with the prosecutor. Good luck!
Well, if you're summoned to Court, you have to appear. In advance of the hearing you could file and Affidavit of Non-Prosecution, which is basically just a piece of paper saying you do not wish to press charges. You will still have to appear if you've been summoned but the District Attorney will have a much harder time prosecuting the case if he doesn't have a cooperative witness.
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