What to Expect when You Witness a Crime

In July of 2007 my mother witnessed a person breaking into the neighbors house. Of course she did the right thing, and called the police. Even though my mother was at home alone, she manage to watch the burglar and relay details to the 911 operator. Within minutes the police had the house surrounded, and after a short foot chase he was arrested. My mother begged the police to not include her name and address in their report. She was terrified that the man, or his family might seek some sort of revenge. However, my mother was told that she had to give them her information, and so she did.

A few months later my mother received a subpoena, it appeared that she had to give a deposition. She tried calling the State's Attorneys office, and even asked them not to involve her, but they only reminded her of what the laws were. If she didn't comply with the subpoena she to could be charged with a crime. If it wasn't bad enough that she was a witness to a crime, and couldn't protect her own self from becoming a victim, she was also informed that the man she helped arrest was a gang member who had several prior arrest. My father became worried, and took a day off from work to escort my mother so that she could give the deposition. My mother asked "who is responsible if something happens to my family, or home as a result of this"? The only reply she received from the attorneys was "we're not responsible for anything".

Shorty after giving her deposition, my mother received yet another subpoena to appear in court. My father missed another day of work in order to go with her. Worrying about the outcome, and what was going to happen to them as a result of testifying literally made them both ill. However, at 8:00am they both sat in a small room waiting for the trial to begin. The neighbors who's home was broken into was also there, as they to had received a subpoena. After waiting a while, with no word, my father asked another attorney there for another case if he had any idea how long they would have to wait. Only to find out that the case had already been settled, and they didn't need to be there at all. To make matters worse, the case was settled several days before my mother was even served the subpoena. No one from the States Attorneys office had even called to let my mother know anything.

My mother lives in a small home in Tampa Florida, that she and my father bought over 30 years ago. When they bought the home the neighborhood was quite, and small. Through the years the neighborhood has become run down. My father works full time, and is hoping to retire in soon but, there is no way that they could afford to move. They both worry about what could happen to them as a result of my mother "doing the right thing". Not to mention the fact that missing work cost them over $150.00. In the end my parents have lost near $200.00, when you add in parking fee's, gas, and time. All for what? Now they live in fear, and it seems no one cares.

When you witness a crime you will have to give the police your name, address. and phone number. You can also expect to give a deposition, and appear in court as a witness. Your identity, and personal information will become public record. The person involved will know who gave the police the information that lead to their arrest. You will have to face the person accused in court, along with their family. And all of this could make you a victim. Is it worth it? Now I know why when a crime happens everyone seems to be blind and deaf. Getting involved could cost you in the long run. But, on the other hand what happens if we don't do the right thing?