[Locke]

Yeah, I've had to do it.

I was subpoena'd as a witness to some car vanadalizations a few years ago. I had just moved into the neighbourhood and some kids were driving down the road and the first time they egged a bunch of cars, the second time they smashed my rear window and the third time they smashed my driver's side-view mirror.

Theres more to the overall story, but this is why I had to go to court.

Somebody eventually caught the little idiots but in the meantime between them being caught and prosecuted my car was destroyed in an unrelated incident, ironically once again parked right outside my house. (I have photos)

Anyways, the crappy Court thing was that I was required to be present as a witness.

The lawyer was abrupt and rude. I had called her office requesting to be excused from having to appear for the following reasons that I felt were quite reasonable:

1. I didnt see or witness anything, I was merely a victim.

2. My vehicle was destroyed in an unrelated incident before I effected any repairs and it was made clear to me that I was thus not entitled to any restitution or compensation whatsoever.

3. I was leaving on a holiday for Mexico that afternoon.

Nope. I had to be there. Had to. Absolute must. If I didnt show up I'd be in contempt of court or some such nonsense. The critical witness who didnt see a damned thing?

Anyways, I was there for about 3 hours, I guess the kids pled guilty or something and then I was made to wait around for a couple more hours before they let me leave.

I was pretty choked. I mean, I get it, and I'm willing to do my part, but I didnt see anything, I couldnt testify to anything, I wasnt eligible for any compensation or restitution, the vehicle they vandalized didnt even exist anymore, and I'm trying to go on vacation after, you can somewhat see, a pretty rough few months.

Why make me jump through hoops for no reason?

So, yeah, that was my experience.