Going to Court

If your partner is charged and you have to testify

• If your partner has been charged, the role of the Crown Prosecutor is to prove he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Your partner may choose to retain a lawyer to act on his behalf or to represent himself.

• Your partner may also remain silent and not say anything in court.

• If you are a witness, you will receive a subpoena or other court notice. This will tell you the date and time you must attend.

• You must appear before the court. There are no other options.

• If there is a serious reason why you cannot attend court, you must speak to the Crown Prosecutor immediately.

• You can not drop the charges laid. You have no control over the charges. If you are being threatened by your partner or pressured by family members, let the Crown Prosecutor know immediately.

• If your partner harasses you about dropping the charges, tell him you have no power to drop charges. Your partner may still harass you so that you do not testify. This behaviour is a crime and should be reported immediately to the police.

©1998-1999 Legal Resource Centre of Alberta.