Detroit, MI asked in Domestic Violence for Michigan

Q: I received a notice to appear in court as the complainant for domestic violence against my husband I don't wanna go

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Much of what could happen to you if you fail to appear to testify depends on the community in which you live as well as the policies and practices of the court before who cases of this nature are heard. Technically, the fact that you do or do not want to testify is unimportant. You are merely a witness to the crime of domestic violence. The complainant in a case of this nature is the People of the state of Michigan or People of the County of...

They were some jurisdictions that have policies in the event a witness fails to appear pursuant to the notice or subpoena given to the witness. The subpoena is a court order to which you are to abide by. Failure to appear pursuant to the notice and/or subpoena could result in the issuance of a warrant for arrest for failing to abide by the court order. Generally speaking, if it is a spouse testifying against the other spouse and the victim/spouse does not wish to testify, there would be no warrant issued.

I strongly urge you to contact an experienced family law attorney or criminal attorney in your area, as s/he will be familiar with the policies and practices of the court/county/city prosecutor.

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