to receiving phone calls from an Assistant District Attorney, I blanched a bit today when mr. kenju told me that one had left a message asking me to call.
I was relieved to hear that it was in relation to the automobile accident in which we were victims last January, and not anything I had done....LOL.
She was calling to see if I would be interested in coming to court and testifying to the circumstances of our wreck, and she told me that the gentleman who hit us from the rear (while we were stopped at a red light) has several pending cases in court in addition to the one in which we were involved. I won't mention the other cases now, since I don't know any details, but suffice it to say that when I heard the causes, I decided that my testimony would be the very least I could do. That young man needs to be shown the errors of his ways and perhaps I can say something to persuade him to get on a straight and narrow path from here on. It's worth a try. (I know; I am naive - but ever hopeful.)
I was asked to be "on standby" tomorrow, in the event that his case actually gets called, but with over 200 cases on the docket in that courtroom alone - I doubt that tomorrow will be the day. The ADA was nice enough to find out my work and app't. schedule for the next month, so that she can try to have his court days be scheduled at times when I can be there. I never dreamed they would be so accommodating - but then I am on the good side of the law. I doubt they are so nice when you are on the wrong side....LOL
Twice I have been in court; once for a traffic violation and once to testify against a man who exposed his privates to my daughter and several of her friends when they were young children. His attorney was tricky, but I am proud to say that I realized what he was trying to get me to say and I answered truthfully and didn't get flustered. Let's hope that will be the case this time.
Should I tell them that he attempted to get us to lie? His wife wasn't in the car with him when it happened, but he called her to come to the site and suggested to us that if she got there before the state trooper did, we should say she had been driving. Of course, we said no to that.
I did tell the ADA that in his favor, he could have easily fled the scene before the trooper arrived (it took him over an hour to get to us, which was ridiculous!), and that he was very polite during the whole time we were waiting for the trooper. However, this guy has a very bad track record and he needs to be taught a lesson. I really feel sorry for his wife, his child and his mother.
Should I tell them that he attempted to get us to lie? His wife wasn't in the car with him when it happened, but he called her to come to the site and suggested to us that if she got there before the state trooper did, we should say she had been driving. Of course, we said no to that.
I did tell the ADA that in his favor, he could have easily fled the scene before the trooper arrived (it took him over an hour to get to us, which was ridiculous!), and that he was very polite during the whole time we were waiting for the trooper. However, this guy has a very bad track record and he needs to be taught a lesson. I really feel sorry for his wife, his child and his mother.
21 comments:
If you drive like a lunatic you have to be prepared to face the consequences. That's life.
Defense attorneys, at least the criminal defense attorneys, don't even want to know if their clients are truly innocent. They will try to get you to say what they want you to say... just stand your ground and tell the truth. You never know... it could actually save someone else's life. Be thinking about you... the waiting is the worst.
I think it's great that you're willing to testify.
I witnessed a hit and run rear-end accident last week, and I called 911 and reported it and gave the guy's license plate number. The 911 person acted like she had lots of more important calls to take (she probably did) and pretty much brushed me off. It's hard to know what's helpful!
Yes, you should tell them about him trying to get you to lie.
And I hope it goes well, whenever it comes to court!
Would the young man go to gaol, or is it just a fining offence?
Bless your heart for taking time out of your busy schedule to testify against this fellow. I has probably gotten by with rotten stuff so far because people won't bother to take up the cause. You go girl!
That is good of you to go. I too am surprised how accommodating the ADA is being. As you said, it cold be because they need you to do them a favor. I would tell advise telling the ADA everything, and let her decide what needs to make it into court. Good luck.
What Star said. The ADA would probably like to hear about the push for you to lie.
I wonder if this guy is physically impaired or if maybe he just has a pitiful attention span. There has to be some reason for the repeats.
Let us know what happens.
Hope you nail him Judy, he sounds like he needs to be taught a lesson.
go for it! You'll do fine, and might be a part of teaching him a well-earned lesson.
I think it's wonderful that you're going to testify Judy. This young man sound like he really needs to learn a lesson or two. He's got to take responsibility for his actions. Good luck in court...whenever it may happen.
I think your summation was accurate... "I really feel sorry for his wife, his child and his mother." ~ jb///
I hope you do get to testify. People need to be held accountable for the actions. It sounds like this guy really has some problems that he needs to face before he seriously endangers someone.
I also had my time on the witness stand once, testifying against the man who assaulted me. His lawyer was ALMOST as scary as his client. Almost.
Good luck Judy, and I hope you don't have too many wasted hours hanging around 'just in case'.
I've just found out the police report on our crash will be going to the Coroner by the end of November, so after that I will be on tenterhooks waiting to hear the date we have to show up at the hearing. Not a day I am looking forward to!
All the best
Juniper x
I'm so glad to see that you are going to testify. Just yesterday I got a call from a lawyer who is representing a gal that was in an accident that I witnessed TWO YEARS AGO. It was a pleasure to tell the lawyer all I knew since she had hit a car broadside and then bragged at the scene that she would get off !!
You sound like you are handling it great. Something is wrong for him to keep making this mistake over and over again. Like you I feel for his family. Let us know what happens :)
You are a GOOD citizen. WE need more balanced thinkers like you in this world.
Good for you! I had to testify in court about a drunk driver who broad sided my car. His attorney tried to tell the court that I was probably leaving a wedding when I was leaving church and that I must have been drunk. When I testified that I was actually leaving church after just having gone to Confession, his attorney was awfully embarassed!!
It sounds like he may have some serious problems, Judy. I hope they can get to you soon. Waiting for something like that can be rather nerve racking, so I hope it takes place soon!
@spunfull: good grief! usually the drinking starts AFTER the wedding anyway, doesn't it?! Did they not test you for alcohol at the time anyway? I was hit head-on almost 5 months ago, and after they'd got me sorted in hospital the police were there at 1.30am to take a blood sample. They even gave me half the sample to keep in the fridge so that I can get that tested if I don't believe what their tests say. I was stone cold sober by the way!
~Juniper
We have a scam gong over here where someone deliberately runs into the back of you and then sues you for whiplash - or whatever. Maybe this guy is one of those. Whatever I feel you are right to do what you are prepared to do and tell it like it was. Goof luck!
That guy caused great upset for you and Mr kenju, so it is only right and proper for you to have your say. Far too many people just whinge and never do anything constructive about these situations. I do hope some good comes out of it!
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