They arrested the guy who stole my car, now i receive a subpoena to testify in court. what should i expect?
Can he accuse me of giving him the car ,or selling it to him, or having him steal it on purpose to get off the hook if he had the copy key in my car?
Answer:
Assuming that you did not know the defendant, the State will only want you to identify the car and basically state that you did not give the defendant permission to have your car.
If you do not know the defendant, while the defense can try anything, unless they really have evidence indicating that you sold the car, you might not even be cross-examined by his attorney. Under those circumstances, they are likely to concede that the car was stolen from you and just deny that their client was the one who took it.
If you know the defendant, that is a whole different story. In that case, you can expect them to try to suggest that you loaned the car to the defendant.
You should get hold of the prosecutor (assuming that they have not already gotten a hold of you). They should want to find out all that you know about the case so that they are not surprised in court and should be able to give you more information about what to expect.
the court is going to be on your side since he got caught stealing the car. just act normal and dont struggle because then they think you did let him borrow the car. they'll give you money if damage is done. or you can sue.
Sounds like that is his defense, Be prepared to defend yourself. If you don't like the question take the fifth and say nothing.
You are required to appear in court to establish ownership of the stolen car and other pertinent questions related to the case. The accused can set up any defense he could think of but the judge can not be fooled.
You need to call the DA's office and tell them you received the subpoena. On the court date, they will pay for your parking, so make sure you bring your subpoena to bring to the information desk in the courthouse after you testify.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the DA's office before the court date. They will answer your questions, and if need be, meet you before the set court time.
Basically, you will be sworn under oath to tell the truth and asked questions about the incident. Then the defendant's lawyer will ask you questions, too. If you don't know, say so. If you don't remember, say that. Don't let him or her intimidate you. Just tell the truth and you will be fine.
If he says you sold him the car, he has to have proof. If he made copies of your key, that will come out in court. Just answer the questions directly, and stay calm.
Best wishes.
Aw, he can say any clever thing he wants, the court has heard it all before. Do you think this is the very first time he's ever gotten caught doing something illegal? He may well have a record, and even if not, judges are savvy, they can read people pretty well. Don't be surprised if you see the judge behave as if he's toying with the guy as he questions him about the act. Further, you could've given him a key to keep for life, but if you said he had to ask permission each time he wanted to use your car, then end of story.
Moron, glad they caught him.
your lawyer is the DA. his job is to not let the defense attorney box you into a spot like that.
make sure you go in early on the court date and ask the DA what to expect the defense to do. then ask him what he wants you to say.
Are you acquainted with the guy?
That might make a difference.
Was he total stranger?
Did he break into vehicle?
Suspect they will try to make you appear negligent...
leave keys in ignition?...
leave car unlocked?..
why did you entice the poor man?
But if you are acquainted with person.
that's another story.
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