Been called to court..help!

carolinosourus

No, anyone can sit in the public gallery, family, friends of witnesses, victims and defendants. It can get a bit messy at times, especially if they all know each other!

Also, OP, if you don't feel confident giving evidence in front of the court or defendant an application can be made on your behalf for you to give your evidence behind screens so that you cannot see him. If you don't turn up the court can make a witness summons which means you'll be picked up by the police and be in trouble with the Judge.

The best thing to do is to contact the witness service at the court you've been asked to go to, they're generally very helpful.

jamesey07

before you reported him did u not have a idea how the court process works? i can't honestly see them letting you see your statement again, and any differences between what u saqy in court and what is on your statement could go in his favour as his defence team will pick up on it in a flash if what your saying is different, what type of offence r we talking about here anyways? just remember the judge is nutural and just because u have got this person to court he's not gonna be on your side,

pug_in_a_bed

Hi Gabyjane,
i go to court a bit with my job, honestly its not so scary at all, everyone will be supportive of you as a witness.

The witness care team will give you a copy of your statement to read when you arrive.

Be prepared for hours of waiting around! The boredom might help numb the stress a bit lol

Have a think now if you would like to give evidence behind a screen, then you ask as soon as you arrive. A statement will then go to the judge who will allow the screen to go up.

Janepig

There is a time limit for the CPS to ask for a screen (there has to be a hearing for the CPS to apply and the defence to object (if they do)) so you need to query that asap if you would like a screen. However, that only shields you from the defendant, not the judge, jury, lawyers, magistrates (depending what court it's in).

And you can choose to leave or stay after your evidence, but you can't sit in the gallery before you give evidence.

Fingers crossed he coughs before you have to give evidence, eh? But if he doesn't and he's found not guilty, well hey, that's just the way it goes. Not everyone who appears at Court is found guilty, not everyone is guilty. It's not going to be your fault either way.

Jxx

gabyjane

Thanks guys very helpful..
jamesey 07 yours is not much support tbh and no i had no idea how the court system works..why should i? this bloke is in and out it seems so now knowing that i wish i hadnt bothered reporting him in a way as he will prob get off for something that was blatently seen by lots of people. As for seeing my statement again i have been told i will be abe to re read it.

I have rung the court and have a pre trial visit a few days before which is what i think will help..if i know where i am going and sitting etc i will feel happier instead of rushing and panicking! as for the screen well i dont care if he sees me he knows what people think of him!
Will update after my visit day!