I think the police are taking advantage of me?

Tony_USA

I can only answer your main question.
Based on the info you give, I don't think they're taking advantage of you. They're gathering information to support their case, and you're a big part of that, being an actual witness to the murder. It's a sensitive issue, and they have to be very careful how they handle your statements. Otherwise, if presented incorrectly, or exaggerated, your valuable testimony won't count, or it won't seem credible or believable.

You're probably a bit nervous, and I don't blame you. I would be, too, being a teenager in that situation. Having to testify in court is scary enough, but a murder trial to boot! If they're treating you respectfully and courteously, then I think things are cool there. If you're showing them respect as well, then you're doing good.

You have an important part in the trial. Try to move past this uneasy feeling you have so you can concentrate on what you need to tell them.
Good Luck!

jose v

By law you don't have to have anyone there with you since you are not being charged with anything, but you do have a right to say that you will not be a witness unless you get a lawyer or someone there for your support. you don't have to say anything you don't want to and you don't have to agree with anything they tell you. you are not being charged with anything, you are just a witness, an assest that they can use to help them prove their case or an assest to the person being charged, as that person can use you to his advantage depending on what you saw.

Zach

Because you are a witness and not a suspect you have no right to have your parents there, so they can tell you you cannot have your parents there since you are only a witness. You do have a right to a lawyer if you can afford one. You don't have a right to a court appointed attorney though because you're not a suspect.

Conor

You don't need an attorney. The prosecutor IS an attorney and while they don't represent you, they are well aware of your rights and will not take advantage of them.

The REASON your parents CANNOT sit in on the interviews/meetings with you is because your parents would then become witnesses to the case.

Lets say you had your parents in the room with you. The prosecutor asks you questions. You parents are present in the room. Trial time rolls around and the defense attorney asks you if your parents were present. The things you testify to, might not be the way your parents remember it - and your parents are called to testify...and then guess what, they end up impeaching you and your testimony is completely discredited.

So, in short - you don't want them in there. They would then become witnesses to the prosecution interviews and could be called to testify to impeach YOU.

renicke@att.net

Bull **** demand a lawyer!

christol d

may be, dont sound right, ask a lawery

russ E

I am in my first year of law school. I do remember reading somewhere that police are not allowed to question minors without their parents or legal guardian. There maybe exceptions to this.

loszetas1

Shut up and do your civic duty and put away that piece of garbage who killed somebody.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: