So very frustrated!!

[Sgtfox]

Glad it worked out for you. As an attorney, I'm curious - Was it the State or the Defense that subpoenaed you? Also, did they just release you or provide for an alternative, such as telephonic testimony?

[Sallimander]

It was for the defense, they wanted me to talk about my charting (I am an ER nurse). And they just released me with no alternative & told me to have a fun trip!

[AJ1983]

Originally Posted by Sallimander

It was for the defense, they wanted me to talk about my charting (I am an ER nurse). And they just released me with no alternative & told me to have a fun trip!

Chances are they reviewed your file and realized they could enter your evidence (ie your charts) in through another witness. If you were a material witness, they would have made application to postpone the trial until you were available. Under no circumstance would you as a witness be expected to give up your planned vacation.

However, its not a conflict for you to be a witness due to your husband's job. As a witness you stick to the facts. As a potential juror, you would
be excused as a conflict because you can't be expected to make an impartial decision. As a witness, you aren't deciding anything, and you are obliged to tell the truth.


Enjoy your trip!!

[I Love Pluto]

I am sooooooo happy that things worked out for you!

Have a GREAT vacation!

[mommy2paisley]

I haven't read all the responses, so if this has been mentioned already, sorry.

I am a court reporter and we do depositions ALL THE TIME of doctors or people from out of town or all kinds of different situations where the person can't appear in court for whatever reason. I would request they do that or see if they can postpone it! Usually, there is ALWAYS a way around these types of things.....you just gotta get someone on board to do it! LOL

[GreenCntryGirl]

Originally Posted by Reddog1134

Off topic:

I read that some courts were having trouble with juries because the general public expects forensic evidence to be as precise and as definitive as it appears on shows like CSI.

I've heard the same thing.

OP, I hope you get some Pixie Dust sent your way and everything works out for you.

ETA: Apparently you have everything worked out! That will teach me to post without reading!

[WedgieSock]

Originally Posted by Sallimander

So I planned a nice adult vacation for me and my hubby...we leave for WDW in 5 days...but today I went into work & got a subpoena to a jury trial that starts 10/9 ( the day we leave). I am a nurse and now have to testify for a man who is being charged with battery to law enforcement. This is a conflict of interest for me as I am married to a police officer. Am I really mandated to go? What will happen if I don't go? I am waiting for the lawyer to call me back...need some good vibes sent my way please!!

I thought, as long as you had proof and it is your first summons, you could postpone it.

You certainly can't just not turn up.

[lilouisianagal]

Originally Posted by ghtx

OT question though: why does your marriage make this a conflict of interest? If I was a witness to a teacher being murdered, is the fact that my wife is a teacher a conflict of interest?

The conflict of interest would apply more if she was summoned for jury duty than being summoned to serve as a witness. In the case of serving on a jury though, the thought process is that she would be biased to trust police officers' testimonies over other witnesses or evidence because she knows (and presumably trusts) her husband and his fellow officers. You can still be chosen if you testify that that relationship will not affect your opinion (though you could still be nixed if you knew anyone testifying.

[mad madam mim78]

I think I'd stay a few nights in jail before I'd cancel my Disney vacation!!!!

[Maggie'sMom]

Originally Posted by WedgieSock

I thought, as long as you had proof and it is your first summons, you could postpone it.

You certainly can't just not turn up.

She was subpoenaed to testify at a trial. This is not jury duty.

[Babette01]

Sorry Magpie! I'll do better next time.

[Magpie]

The thread is only three pages long, folks! It doesn't take much to at least scan for updates from the OP.

Spoiler: The OP is going to Disney!

[Momofone92]

I am an attorney. I am also a Disney fan LOL They exist

This question is completely jurisdictional and will depend on the parties involved including the judge, attorneys and the number of contuances previously granted. My advice- call the attorney- the one whose side you are testifying for

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Originally Posted by lilouisianagal

The conflict of interest would apply more if she was summoned for jury duty than being summoned to serve as a witness. In the case of serving on a jury though, the thought process is that she would be biased to trust police officers' testimonies over other witnesses or evidence because she knows (and presumably trusts) her husband and his fellow officers. You can still be chosen if you testify that that relationship will not affect your opinion (though you could still be nixed if you knew anyone testifying.

First, congrats OP! Glad it worked out for you!!

Though this was a subpoena and NOT jury duty... but in the case of jury duty, you're right that you could theoretically be chosen. BUT... If I'm the defense attorney, I'm nixing you. I say this as the daughter of a police officer who has NEVER been put on a jury despite numerous jury duty summons.