Attending Court...

El Capitano

...not as the bad guy, but as a witness.

I've been asked to attend a court hearing as a witness to a RTA. Anyone got any experience of this?

How long will I be there for each day? (I've been given 2 days in which to attend)

Will I be able to have snack/lunch breaks?

I'll obviously have to take time off work for this, do I get compensated for this?

CraigXXL

You are normally in a room waiting to be called so take a good book. You will be told when you are no longer required.

nicklouse

yes you do get compensated.

cant remember about refreshments.

El Capitano

The refreshments bit is sort of important to me. I control my diabetes by eating small amounts regularly throughout the day. Can't see the judge being too pleased with me scoffing a pie half way through proceedings...

nicklouse

cake would be better

all you can do is ask.

but if they change their plea to guilty you may even not be called.

CraigXXL

They have vending machines in the waiting room but they are not always stocked up so take your own to be on the safe side. You need to ask for the compensation form and ensure they validate it. This may have changed as it was while since I was there. Overall it was a very boring day for a few minutes as a witness

Kitty

They have to give time for refreshments, and I think if you let them know in advance regarding your condition you'll be allowed them to fit around your diet.

Splottboy

I saw a cracking one in the Midlands, late 70's, work experience.
Guy was totally liying about an RTA, we were nealry peeing ourselves, as it was absolute fabrication.
He was found guilty...

I've been a "bad guy" for CID investigators on loads of times for practice sessions, ( Used to work for a Police Force ) and it's a bit nerve-wracking even though it's only training for them.

Was also personally in a Magistrates court when a mate leant out of my car window, and coppers saw him.
£50 fine each, which he paid!!

Anonymous

i was a witness once before, waited in a room for hours, got on the stand fo about 5 minutes then left.

for any of the time you are not on the stand you will be in a waiting room.

you should get compensation for any work related losses and you will have your fuel paid for for attending.

it will be a webbo day

Stevo_666

El Capitano wrote:

The refreshments bit is sort of important to me. I control my diabetes by eating small amounts regularly throughout the day. Can't see the judge being too pleased with me scoffing a pie half way through proceedings...

Mention that you are diabetic and need to eat regularly as you won't be much use as a witness if you're in a diabetic coma. They shouldn't have a problem with that.

Anonymous

also, mention that you hate the defendant, that should get you knocked off pretty sharpish.

larfingravy

Magistrates court or crown?

Unfortunately mags cts are not well set up for handling witnesses and their comforts. Some crown courts are better than others but generally a crown court will have plenty of spaces for you to wait out of sight of the defendants. Most crown courts will have a cafeteria but I would strongly suggest bringing your own stuff to snack on. Also a good book/selection of daily papers.
If you have any concerns I would really suggest ringing the court direct and asking. Most of the time you will get to speak to someone who can help with your concerns.