Subpoena
Under rare circumstances a CASA may be subpoenaed to testify in a court case related to the child for whom you are advocating. Contact your CASA coordinator and let him/her now about the subpoena. They will receive instructions from the presiding juvenile court judge as to how to proceed.
If you will be testifying:
When you arrive at court, please make sure to give your name to a deputy. The deputy will make sure you are directed to the correct courtroom and that appropriate parties are aware that you have arrived.
- You may wish to bring some reading material. You will have to remain near the courtroom and attorneys cannot always be precise about the timing of your testimony.
- You will be questioned by the attorney who subpoenaed you, by the attorney(s) representing the parent(s), by any attorney representing the child, and by the judge.
- It is natural to be nervous about testifying, particularly if you have not done so before. Talking to the subpoenaing attorney in advance helps, as well as the following suggestions:
- Review any records or notes that you have made about the case. Let the attorney know of any records that exist, and discuss how they will be organized and presented. The Presiding Judge may require that your written records be subpoened separately.
- Try to remain calm and professional. Cross-examination (questions by the other attorneys) can sometimes be stessful. Don't lose your temper. Cross-examination may be lengthy, so discuss with the CASA coordinator in advance some techniques that may help.
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