What to Do If You Receive a Summons

WHAT TO DO IF YOU RECEIVE A SUMMONS

If you receive a summons to appear at court for a trial or hearing, your appearance is an order of the court. There are times when you may be served the summons on very short notice and it is understandable that this may cause inconvenience. In an effort to minimize any inconvenience this may cause you, please read the following suggestions before attending court:

If your summons directs you to call the DA’s office, prior to your appearance, please do so, as this call could minimize the amount of time you may have to attend court.

If you have previously provided a statement to law enforcement about the relevant matter, that statement cannot be a substitute for your appearance in court. The defendant is entitled to hear the testimony directly from a witness.

On the day(s) you are required to attend court, you may need to be there from 9 to 5. It is the judge who determines the day’s schedule of cases. Therefore, you may want to plan ahead and arrange for child care or bring something to read. You will be provided time for lunch if you are there all day.

There will be an Assistant District Attorney and Victim Witness Advocate at court to meet you and brief you on the day’s events. When you arrive at the courthouse, please check in with the Victim Witness Advocate assigned to that courtroom. Please be able to provide your social security number.

Waiting and meeting space is limited at the courthouse, but a safe waiting space may be available to witnesses.

If you require it, the Victim Witness Advocate can arrange for you to be provided with documentation to verify your required court appearance for your employer or school.

Some courthouses do not allow any cell phones in the building, and security will not hold cell phones in these courts, so please do not bring your cell phone in to the courthouse building.

Your court appearance is important and appreciated by the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.