Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Court Question

Here's the deal, three people were charged with the same charges. They were charged with intent to sell and possession of a drug. The 1st guy went to court and received 5 years probation as a verdict. The 2nd guy a minor, has junvenile court coming up and the 3rd guy has to arrange a court date still. The lawyers of the 2nd guy sent the 3rd guy a paper that says its mandatory to appear in court and be a witness for the 2nd guy BUT the 3rd guy has no verdict on his case yet on his charges. Is this legal? Can the 3rd guy go to court and be a witness? Will it affect him when he goes to court? What can he do?


Asked on 7/31/07, 11:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Court Question

He needs to get a lawyer to represent him in his trial and advise him what to do about his subpoena. It is perfectly legal to subpoena him and he will probably have to show up, but he may need to invoke the Fifth Amendment when he is questioned.

This is not something he should try to figure out on his own. If he handles that testimony poorly he may seriously damage his prospects in his own case.

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Answered on 7/31/07, 11:37 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Court Question

Guy 3, the one who hasn't hired a lawyer yet, is what is known around the courthouse as a "chump."

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Answered on 8/01/07, 12:56 am


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