If a key witness is subpoenaed to speak in court on behalf of the plaintiff who was hit by a drunk driver. Does the witness(s) receive any compensation money? I hear that the witness(s) would be GREATLY helping the plaintiff win his/her case against the defendant. There should be money in it for the witness as well, especially if the case has a good chance of winning.
200029
They are required to reimburse you for gas and parking and maybe pay for lunch while you are there.\n\nNot going to get rich, though.
642177
a few years ago, me and my children were hit head on by a druck driver. me and the kids were okay. only a few cuts and bruises, but she was hurt very bad. my lawyer pressed charges against her, and when she got out of the hosp, she was to turn herself in for booking. well, she told the judge she was going to write us an apology letter and send my kids some toys. he let her off with her word and a slap on the wrist. she never did write us a letter. as a matter of fact i heard thru the grapevine (her boyfriend was the brother of our mortage holder) that she said, "they weren't even hurt that bad." well, how would she know what my children went thru. what i when thru. living the memory evertime we go down that road. she didn't hear my kids screaming and crying. after i woke up, after being knocked out by the air bag, i climbed out the drivers window and i had to walk around her truck to to get to my kids, i looked inside to see if she was dead or what. all she said was get me out of this damn truck. i didn't say anything to her. i just left to go see about my kids. i knew she was drunk or high. never want to go thru that again!
408261
If the injured party has legal representation, be sure that the solicitor will pursue a claim against everyone involved.  \nIf your friend runs into the rear of another vehicle, your friend is liable (the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor applies).  Trying to get off the hook in a case like that is extremely difficult.  The only defense would be to show that the collision was unavoidable.  Nothing in your description indicates that to be the case.\nExample of a defensible case:  the other vehicle cuts in front of you and slams on his brakes, for no apparent reason.  There are two police officers, in different locations, who were witnesses.\nAs for injuries it does not take much to get a whiplash type injury.  Five to ten mph will do it.  If you are suspicious of the injury, have a private investigator put the plaintiff under surveillance.
431393
Jennifer \n#1 You need to get a lawyer. A corporation cannot represent itself in a judicial proceeding.  \n#2 -- If this was a JUDGMENT, that means that they went through some process and it's enforceable as a matter of law.  Most likely, they filed a lawsuit against you, you didn't respond, so the court entered a "default judgment" for the relief requested by the Court.  This could have happened in Ill. OR in Florida. If the latter, then they have merely filed or registered the judgment in Illinois so that they may collect it. \nDid you ever receive a summons and complaint from these people? Did you ignore it, believing that it would go away?  If so, it will be hard to get the judgment vacated.  You usually need some excuse or good reason to have a judgment vacated (although in Cook County, you may get a sympathetic judge, who wants to adjudicate the merits, who will vacate and set the litigation going). See #1.\n#3 They have already "taken it to court" if, indeed there was a "judgment" filed against you. See #2.  If they merely have filed a complaint seeking judgment, that's a different story, and you have a short amount of time to respond to their allegations.  Get to a lawyer ASAP, otherwise you will be faced with a default judgment.\n#4 -- you won't get good legal advice for this issue here because of the fact-specific nature of your problem (exactly what was filed, the underlying dispute between the parties, etc.) Then you need to think about cost.  How much is the judgment for (or is the Complaint alleging?)? A good lawyer in Chicago will set you back $250.00 an hour at a minimum plus expenses.  If this is something you want to fight, expect $20,000 in fees for litigation at a minimum.  If this is a small matter, expect at least $2,000 in fees to reach an amicable settlement.\n\nThe Illinois State Bar Association should have a referral service on their website if you do not have a lawyer.  If you're willing to pay the going rate ($250.00 for associates, $400-500 for partners) in Chicago, I have some referrals for you.\n\nGood luck.
111932
For one side or the other they often review and summarize the medical evidence for the lawyers. If they have a speciality they may testify too. The pay rate depends on where you live and is similar to what very experienced paralegals get.
244528
Sure the police officer shows up. call him or her what you want although COP is not an appropriate term for a police officer. there had to be a reason why he/she wrote you for following too close. you must have been involved in an accident or were following to close to emergency vehicles because those are the only two reasons why they do it. He/she will be in court and you get to tell your side to the judge and the city attorney will be there also and he/she will rake you over the coals so if you are not an attorney and you are serious about fighting the citation take an attorney with you otherwise you will be standing there with your mouth open when the judge finds you guilty and not only makes you pay the ticket but court costs also. You can also ask for a trial by jury but you have to go before the judge to do that too so now the cost of taking time off or showing up half a dozen times and visits to the court add up. Unless of course YOU decide to COP a plea and take defensive driving instead of a citation or deferred adjudication if you are eligible for it. Talk to the court clerk. the number is on the back of the citation and I suspect the Police officer might have even circled it for you. I know I do.
344339
If it was a court order then THEY have to pay, talk to the judge who mandated it be paid by the state....The person who told you that I am sure will be reprimanded for it, DId you get their name, if not track em down
551846
Apparently someone has been criminally charged as a result of of your complaint. Obviously they contest the charge(s) or refuse to plea and adequately moved for jury trial. Unless they take a plea for a reduced charge you will probably have a say, if not some explaining to do.\n\nOtherwise you have turned the matter over to the "court" and they will decide if you get to say anything in a legal forum regarding the matter. \n\nFurther it is up to the states prosecuting counsel and the defendants counsel whether or not you will be called as a witness of which there is no guarantee you will get to testify.
227043
If you were a reporter and go to an accident one hour after it happens, how would you report the story? You report that one car smashed into another. You also interview witnesses. But what happens if the witnesses are giving you different stories (which happens all the time)? You report what you see and what the witnesses say even if the stories are different.\n\nThat's exactly what I see happening here.
557797
Most of the time, it is not a great idea for the client to be on the stand because of cross-examination.  Especially if the client has anything shady in their past that could impact the trial, it is better to avoid taking the stand.  In some circumstances, a client who is articulate and believable might make a good witness.  Ohterwise, the risks far outweight any advantages.
651246
There is no yes/no answer to your question.\n\nOnly your friend's attorney is in a position to give you specific advice.\n\nAnything that causes the prosecution to produce evidence would seemingly help the defendant. But, only if the evidence exonerates him.
532614
You are considered by law innocent unless you are convicted and found guilty.\n\nBut they can re-file when the witness can testify again
520823
witness statements? not sure i really get the question
202983
It means the plaintiff won't show up, but they usually can't arbitrarily waive their appearance. You or your attorney if you have one would have to consent. If the plaintiff's attorney will be there, it really doesn't help you at all. It means you won't have anyone to cross-examine. I'd recommend asking for summary judgment in your favor. End of story.
259645
The police are correct in their assessment.  Without an independent, disinterested witness to the state of the traffic signal, it comes down to "he said, she said" and unless one of you is of such poor character as to be not believable then it is a wash.  \n\nIf there were any other drivers that witnessed the accident but did not stop, it might be worth taking out an advert in the local rag asking if anyone witnessed the accident and would be willing to come forward and make a statement.\n\nBest of luck!
575685
First point! Don't be confused. If the police officer supeanas witnesses, they will be witnesses for the prosecusion. Not for you, the defense! If you have witness which can testify in your favour, you must supeana your own witnesses to guarantee their presence in court.\n\nSecond point. Failing to stop for a yellow light is the same as not stopping for a red. You must clearly spell out in court any evidence you have which supports you could not safely stop when the light turned yellow. You can't hem and haw about it, if you testify. Consider having for court a drawing of the intersection, complete with the vital measurements eg; your position when light turned yellow, your speed, width of intersection. (Were you within the speed limit)\n\nThird point. While the accident fault may be of interest to your insurance company, it MAY be a moot point in court, as the accident happened after your violation.\nYou can however contend if it is true, that the vehicle turning in front of you, which you felt at the time was unsafe, distracted you and the light turned yellow at that moment of distraction and your mind was on avoiding the other vehicle. But keep your defense straight. You either saw the light turn yellow or you didn't.\n\nBig point. If you should decide to try to bend the truth, remember, you gave a statement to the cop and he will testify.\n\nLast point. You might consider getting one of those "former cop" outfits to help fight traffic tickets. They're cheaper than a lawyer and they won't choke in court like a lot of people do when they defend themself.
493598
If you were subpoenaed, you risk being held in contempt if you fail to appear.  If you are being asked to testify about conversations between you and your spouse, that information may be confidential under the spousal privilege.  If your spouse is the plaintiff or defendant, you may want to ask his/her lawyer about the subpoena.