Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 31 October 2008, 18:22:23
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I am going to be appearing in court, once next weekend at Magistrates court, and once later in November, possibly in Crown court.
I've never been to court before, I'm quite nervous, especially about the appearance in late Nov :-/
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Been to magistrates court lots. Are you being prosecuted - or a witness?
Never been to Crown court but heard that it's a whole load more formal.
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Just do as you are told -- and don't forget to pack your toothbrush !!! ;)
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I am going to be appearing in court, once next weekend at Magistrates court, and once later in November, possibly in Crown court.
I've never been to court before, I'm quite nervous, especially about the appearance in late Nov :-/
never had you down as the rebellious sort!
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I am going to be appearing in court, once next weekend at Magistrates court, and once later in November, possibly in Crown court.
I've never been to court before, I'm quite nervous, especially about the appearance in late Nov :-/
never had you down as the rebellious sort!
I'm not ;)
Next weekend at Magistrates Court is our Attestation, when we get officially sworn in and take the oath to keep the Queen's peace.
There are 17 of us in our group. I'm nervous and excited at the same time but it's meant to be a positive and memorable event, so no real worries on that score.
In late November, probably in Crown court, I can't say very much because it relates to an ongoing investigation - other than to say that I am not the suspect and I am presenting evidence... I'm bricking it about that one... :'(
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magistrates court is ok but still an unpleasant experience (depending on what its for)
crown court is a different ball game. something i hope i dont have to do again
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magistrates court is ok but still an unpleasant experience (depending on what its for)
crown court is a different ball game. something i hope i dont have to do again
Of course, no need to answer, but may I ask in what role you were in crown court?
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i was a witness for the defence, trouble is i was also a rookie copper when the case got to court. i made one slip up on my evidence and i got crucified. i was only in there for 5 mins but at the court for a day an half.
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i was a witness for the defence, trouble is i was also a rookie copper when the case got to court. i made one slip up on my evidence and i got crucified. i was only in there for 5 mins but at the court for a day an half.
At the end of the day my statement etc is 100% accurate and honest so I have no problems sleeping at night - but my biggest worry is being ripped apart by the defence :-X
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i imagine they will.
you'll get your statement back to read through before you go in.
what happened was i mentioned something in court that was not on my statement.
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got a fortnight in crown court coming up myself.
already decided they are all guilty!
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i imagine they will.
you'll get your statement back to read through before you go in.
what happened was i mentioned something in court that was not on my statement.
Err done that too.....was a large-scale drugs bust at a nearby nightclub but when it came to court I used the word Target about one of the people arrested. Fortunately the inspector was very calm about it once the case was over, probably helped the guy was found guilty and got 18 months for possession with intent
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i was a witness for the defence, trouble is i was also a rookie copper when the case got to court. i made one slip up on my evidence and i got crucified. i was only in there for 5 mins but at the court for a day an half.
At the end of the day my statement etc is 100% accurate and honest so I have no problems sleeping at night - but my biggest worry is being ripped apart by the defence :-X
They will ::) the main thing is to have your facts, perhaps supported by written / noted evidence from the time, the more you can refer to notes the better.
Last in Court (Crown) about a month ago for 3 days, spent one and a half hours on the stand in one go :-X I expect to be in Crown Court next week, 4 days, so not know how many times, if any, I will be on the stand, I wrote all the reports, so Know my stuff.
Main thing is to be respectful to the Judge and It will not be as bad as you are worrying about. :y
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You will find that barrister and barsteward are very similar words !! Just remain calm, respectful, and breath slowly -- 'twill be OK ;)
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i was a witness for the defence, trouble is i was also a rookie copper when the case got to court. i made one slip up on my evidence and i got crucified. i was only in there for 5 mins but at the court for a day an half.
At the end of the day my statement etc is 100% accurate and honest so I have no problems sleeping at night - but my biggest worry is being ripped apart by the defence :-X
They will ::) the main thing is to have your facts, perhaps supported by written / noted evidence from the time, the more you can refer to notes the better.
Last in Court (Crown) about a month ago for 3 days, spent one and a half hours on the stand in one go :-X I expect to be in Crown Court next week, 4 days, so not know how many times, if any, I will be on the stand, I wrote all the reports, so Know my stuff.
Main thing is to be respectful to the Judge and It will not be as bad as you are worrying about. :y
Thanks for the advice mate :y
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Done crown court a few times (jury service). Tedious. Boring. The UK justice system is a bloody disgrace and inefficient.
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i had to go to court twice in 1 week, ealing on tues, feltham on thurs. must be honest and say i was laying bricks the 2nd time. doesnt look good does it :-[
and in case you think im a bad boy, not the case. i just lost me bearings a bit when i split up from x,
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Crown Court itself was fine.
On the way in I love being on TV and having my picture taken.
It wasnt til they sent me down and handcuffed me that I really started to panic.
;)
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crown court can be quite intimidating. was there a few years ago as a witness. defence tried to rip me apart, and intimidate me. just had to carry on tho.
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Sad thing is police officers so rarely have to give evidence any more they are becoming de-skilled and losing confidence. This is because the CPS will bin all but the dead-cert cases as they won't waste money on a 50/50 trial. Consequently if an officer is summonsed to appear at court to give evidence it is usually a ploy by the defence to see whether they will turn up. If the officer is sick, or on leave the defence can argue for a dismissal due to the prosecution failing to produce the witness. When the officer turns up at court the defence will quite often throw the towell in there and then and offer a plea.
Crown court is actually easier in my view for giving evidence. In the magistrates court you have to go through your whole account and be cross-examined at the end. In the crown the prosecution barrister usually guides you through your evidence and will only invite the odd question here and there to clairfy points. As far as cross-examination is concerned provided you stick to your evidence and retain your dignity at all times you will be fine, and this will wind up the defence counsel a treat. I was once giving evidence in a magistrates court and being cross-examined by a pompous and theatrical young solicitor who began to bellow his questions to me to emphasise his outrage at my evidence. I politely said to him, "with respect sir I can hear you perfectly well, would you mind not shouting at me?" The chair of the bench immediately added, "Yes officer, I was thinking the same. Please lower your voice young man; none of us are deaf". From that point on his client was doomed :D
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been to crown court as a witness before friend got a pool que smashed over his head and the offender pleaded not guilty so i was called as a witness for the prosecution!
CPS lawyer was nice asked questions that were a simple yes or no and was always straight to the point!
Defence lawyer was a muppet and made a prat of himself asking the same questions as she did and then started with silly questions! still he only collared me for 10mins and the judge thanked me and off i went!
it all seems rather old fashioned in crown court i went to Worcester! magnifficent building though!
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In a professional capacity I have been in magistrates, crown and high courts and loved every minute, usually with me giving evidence. I enjoy the theatricals that can take place, and in the high courts it is often a privelage to see top barristers in action. 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Indeed I have often considered going into the legal profession and once I obtain my degree...............but no that one is just too late for me as it takes years I haven't got to reach the barrister level. ::) ::) ::) ::)
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James, regarding my previous advice, I have just had 2 days in Court, planned for 4 but finished in 2.
Got unexpectedly recalled to the stand, 4 out of 5 agreeing, the one giving me a hard time.
Whilst on the stand I remember saying to myself, don’t get flustered, remember Judge John Deed, there is a good guy and a bad guy just remember that someone is going to give you a hard time but it is not personal. Reverse their question and put it back to them, I did this a couple of times and you could see them squirm..........
I (we) won, the other party was made to feel quite small in the judgement. Yyou have to be clear of your facts and record everything, previously while making your enquiries, so that you can evidence, date and time everything you have said and done.
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Thanks Mike.
Today - all done, out of the way. Was rather nervous to begin with, but to be honest I was in the box for all of 60 seconds, read and signed the oath, and out again...
Sigh of relief now 8-)
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:y :y :y
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Thanks Mike.
Today - all done, out of the way. Was rather nervous to begin with, but to be honest I was in the box for all of 60 seconds, read and signed the oath, and out again...
Sigh of relief now 8-)
Breathe deep, locate a comfy chair and relax with a tinny or two.....just remember not to drive afterwards ;)
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Thanks Mike.
Today - all done, out of the way. Was rather nervous to begin with, but to be honest I was in the box for all of 60 seconds, read and signed the oath, and out again...
Sigh of relief now 8-)
That's good to hear James, and good practice for you! :y :y