What if my spouse does not attend court for trial?
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What if my spouse does not attend court for trial?
The Crown Attorney’s office will subpoena all witnesses they need for the trial. Sometimes, witnesses do not want to testify and will ignore the subpoena.
If the complainant does not attend court after they have received a subpoena, the Crown has a few options: they can continue the trial without the witness; they can ask the police to try to find them and pick them up at work or at home; or they can ask for a warrant to arrest the them.
Sometimes, the Crown may be able to pursue the trial without the complainant, like when an independent witness has made a statement to police. In this case, the Crown may decide to start the trial without the complainant and issue a new subpoena, or they may continue without the complainant altogether.
Other times, the Crown will ask police to track down the complainant and pick them up at home or at work. If the complainant can be found, judges will sometimes allow for a brief adjournment of the case to later in the day, until the complainant is found and brought to court.
Finally, the Crown may ask for a witness warrant. If the crown succeeds in their request for a witness warrant, the trial will be postponed to another day. A warrant for your spouse will be issued, and they may spend time in jail until a judge decides if they can be released, and on what terms.
If the complainant attends the trial but refuses to testify, they will likely be held in contempt of court and can possibly serve jail time until they agree to testify. The trial date will again be adjourned to another date, and they will again be served with a subpoena that will require them to testify.
How can I help you?
Facing charges or investigation? Engage my services as a domestic assault lawyer in Ottawa. I'm prepared to strategize your defense, explain the implications of a guilty plea, discuss a peace bond if needed, and clarify your charges' aspects. I'll endeavor to have your charges dropped by the Crown, based on the credibility of the accuser or alleged crime circumstances. If we go to trial, I'll fight tirelessly for you, fully prepared each day. Call me at 613.863.8595 for a free consultation.
