If I get a subpoena, do I have to go to court?

Witnesses are critical to the proper functioning of the criminal justice system. The state can’t hold a person accountable for committing a crime without the cooperation of the community.  If you are a witness for the state, our office can place you “on call” until you are needed for court. However, we can only do this if we have appropriate contact information for you. The subpoena you receive will provide information on how you may provide your contact information. The bottom-line answer is that you have to come to court if subpoenaed unless you are excused by the party who issued the subpoena or have a legal excuse for failing to appear. Otherwise, if you fail to appear, the judge may hold you in contempt of court. Be sure to bring your subpoena with you to court.

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1. What is the Augusta Judicial Circuit?
2. What is the relationship between the local law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office?
3. What is the purpose of a Grand Jury in criminal cases?
4. What happens at arraignment?
5. Can a victim drop charges or decide not to press charges?
6. If I get a subpoena, do I have to go to court?
7. I did not witness any crime but I got a subpoena. Why am I a witness?
8. I am afraid of the defendant. Will the defendant be present when I testify?
9. My employer is not happy that I’ll miss work when I have to go to court on my subpoena. Can I be fired?
10. As a victim, how do I find out the defendant’s next court date?
11. How do I report a crime?
12. How can I have my criminal record expunged?