Like Remo, I got court papers recently on a case I don't recall at all. They showed up in my mailbox, with a note that I would also receive a certified copy. Yes I did, several days later.
The letter says, in part:
YOU ARE UNDER SUBPOENA UNTIL YOU ARE EXCUSED BY THE COURT OR THE PROSECUTOR. FAILURE TO OBEY THE COMMANDS OF THIS SUBPOENA AND THE REASONABLE DIRECTIONS OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY AS TO TIME AND PLACE TO APPEAR MAY SUBJECT YOU TO PENALTY FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT.
Yes, it is in ALL CAPS just in case I feel like being yelled at or can't handle upper and lower case in the same sentence.
It's not a big deal. I could have gone to my old office, picked up the case, read it, found out who beat the crap out of a child or diddled or neglected, and driven to court and testified in front of the judge for the bench trial. There was just one small problem.
I received the first copy of the letter on December 13, 2006 at 3 pm. The trial was on December 13, 2006 at 1 pm. It took over a week to get forwarded to me.
Going would mean a 50 mile round trip drive, at least 4 hours - all as a gift to the legal system. No over time pay. I don't have earned income, so I can't get one and a half times of it. I have had to go before, and I didn't mind. Much.
I contacted everyone when I moved, and they chose not to use that information. I also called when I got the letter so they could advise me if the trial was postponed or adjourned or whatever, or if an order was made to snatch me off the streets.
So, I am in contempt of court, but maybe they can't find me.
15 comments:
ouch..what a pain....hope you get it straightened out.
Oh, they'll find you in a timely fashion in order to charge you with contempt...there must be a fine attached..Jae
You want to come hide here in WA?!? I know nothing, see nothing, hear nothing and I promise to speak nothing ... for a small fee! LOL
Hope you get this all straightened out.
Monica
now how in the hell can they find you in contempt if you didn't get the papers till after the court date????? something is wrong in denmark if you ask me
Deb
Deb - that is why the entry is called puppy papers - they are useful only for putting down for the dogs to pee on (if they would do that on papers).
xoxo
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Consider yourself a scofflaw, whatever that is.
Our government - better service via lowest bidder.
That's why I want a moat.
Remo - I think I am covered under the "reasonable directions of the prosecuting attorney as to time and place to appear" - the PA did not teach me time travel. Yet.
I am still telling you, the moat is no good without a roof. Things fly these days.
xoxo
Roof, schmoof. The laser will take care of that.
"If it flies, it dies..."
Stupid people!
You're such a criminal, Suzy!
Terra
What a pain. I hope this doesn't turn into a big pile of doo-doo for you.
Just stopping by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! I'll be looking forward to reading your journal entries in 2007.
Monica
Probably a good thing they can't find you! Merry Christmas! rose~
Hope all is well on your end that you are just being a busy little "domestic Engineer" ;-)
Monica
This happened to me, once, too.
That case of the ferret or the 6 week old puppy eating the baby's toes that was on the news a few days ago? I had a case where a ferret left over 100 bite wounds to a baby's face..and like this one, the parents somehow slept through it...
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