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Legal Advice needed-Witness to a crime
Posted: February 6, 2006 9:21 am
by carey24
One night last summer, I watched a car park across the street from my house. 3 men got out of the car and went behind the house across the street. A couple of gunshots later, they ran back to their car and drove off.
Come to find out, this is gang related. They shot and injured two guys. In addition, the woman that owns a house across the street, lives somewhere else and leaves her teenage girls there alone. Well the teenage girls hang out with these idiots. So the idiots frequent this house often.
I am a young single female living by myself. If I could afford it, I would've moved the day after the shooting. I have now been called as a witness in the case. I do not feel a bit comfortable seeing any of these suspects in court, given my living situation. In addition, I did not see their faces and I have no idea of the year, make or model of the car. So my court statement will go something like this: "I saw three men, approx age 16-35, get out of a car made sometime between 1960 & 1980, heard gunshots, and saw them drive off." Does this prosecutor really want me saying this??
I have left a message to speak with the Ass State's Attny on the case and I desperately want to get out of going to court. I truly feel my life would be in danger by testifying. Any advice?
Re: Legal Advice needed-Witness to a crime
Posted: February 6, 2006 10:06 am
by ToplessRideFL
carey24 wrote:
I have left a message to speak with the Ass State's Attny on the case and I desperately want to get out of going to court. I truly feel my life would be in danger by testifying. Any advice?
Ask for protection...... and help moving!

Posted: February 6, 2006 11:01 am
by SchoolGirlHeart
I unfortunately don't have any advice about testifying, but whether you testify or not, since these people live nearby, have you considered buying a handgun and learning how to use it? And maybe a large dog?

Posted: February 6, 2006 11:05 am
by carey24
SchoolGirlHeart wrote:I unfortunately don't have any advice about testifying, but whether you testify or not, since these people live nearby, have you considered buying a handgun and learning how to use it? And maybe a large dog?

I have a pit/boxer mix. If it weren't for him, I would have moved back in with my mom when it happened.
He is the only reason I feel safe at all at night. He's a babydoll, but they don't know that. A few people know he's sweet, but most are petrified. I like it that way.
I've also considered bringing my dad's old sweet sixteen shotgun to my house. I figure all I'd have to do is load it.....the loading sound should be enough.
Sad thing is, this is the only bad thing that has happened in this neighborhood. It is a very nice area otherwise. All because one parent can't watch her damn kids.
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:34 pm
by ragtopW
carey24 wrote:SchoolGirlHeart wrote:I unfortunately don't have any advice about testifying, but whether you testify or not, since these people live nearby, have you considered buying a handgun and learning how to use it? And maybe a large dog?

I have a pit/boxer mix. If it weren't for him, I would have moved back in with my mom when it happened.
He is the only reason I feel safe at all at night. He's a babydoll, but they don't know that. A few people know he's sweet, but most are petrified. I like it that way.
I've also considered bringing my dad's old sweet sixteen shotgun to my house. I figure all I'd have to do is load it.....the loading sound should be enough.
Sad thing is, this is the only bad thing that has happened in this neighborhood. It is a very nice area otherwise. All because one parent can't watch her damn kids.
the shotgun is a great idea for someone who does not handle guns often..
but the attitude of just snicking in a round scaring anyone??
yes, then they will just catch you without it.
if you have it use it..
sorry to hear of your spot.. has the riding DA heard your story??
I am thinking if I were on a jury that your story isn't
gonna point any fingers at anyone or help convict..
just me here..
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:50 pm
by ph4ever
If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:54 pm
by SchoolGirlHeart
ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
I agree. And if you're going to have a gun in the house, go to the range and become comfortable with it, so you don't have to think about it if you have to pull it out.
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:54 pm
by ph4ever
Oh and as far as testifying - while you could be putting yourself in jeopardy if this is a true gang. What would the world be like if everyone that witnessed a crime refused to testify?
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:54 pm
by ragtopW
ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
Thanks Connie That is what I was trying to say...
didn't say it well did I???
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:57 pm
by ph4ever
ragtopW wrote:ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
Thanks Connie That is what I was trying to say...
didn't say it well did I???
I didn't drink yest??

Posted: February 6, 2006 1:58 pm
by ragtopW
SchoolGirlHeart wrote:ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
I agree. And if you're going to have a gun in the house, go to the range and become comfortable with it, so you don't have to think about it if you have to pull it out.
That too is what I was trying to say..
<<<< going away now...
Posted: February 6, 2006 1:58 pm
by ph4ever
SchoolGirlHeart wrote:ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
I agree. And if you're going to have a gun in the house, go to the range and become comfortable with it, so you don't have to think about it if you have to pull it out.
take lessons if necessary. So many people have guns that have no idea of the proper way to hold one. And as far as a shotgun goes - better cradle that puppy firmly or you'll be bruised all to heck.
Posted: February 6, 2006 2:07 pm
by carey24
ph4ever wrote:SchoolGirlHeart wrote:ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
I agree. And if you're going to have a gun in the house, go to the range and become comfortable with it, so you don't have to think about it if you have to pull it out.
take lessons if necessary. So many people have guns that have no idea of the proper way to hold one. And as far as a shotgun goes - better cradle that puppy firmly or you'll be bruised all to heck.
I've actually taken lessons, and shot many different guns, numerous times. I've also taken the hunter's safety course and passed.
I'd really rather have to only load it, than actually shoot someone.
Plus, I doubt there'll be much left after the dog gets through with them.....
Posted: February 6, 2006 2:18 pm
by ph4ever
carey24 wrote:ph4ever wrote:SchoolGirlHeart wrote:ph4ever wrote:If you're going to have a gun in the house for safety you have to be willing to shoot to kill - cause if you don't and they are all hopped up on drugs they could turn on you, wounded or not.
I agree. And if you're going to have a gun in the house, go to the range and become comfortable with it, so you don't have to think about it if you have to pull it out.
take lessons if necessary. So many people have guns that have no idea of the proper way to hold one. And as far as a shotgun goes - better cradle that puppy firmly or you'll be bruised all to heck.
I've actually taken lessons, and shot many different guns, numerous times. I've also taken the hunter's safety course and passed.
I'd really rather have to only load it, than actually shoot someone.
Plus, I doubt there'll be much left after the dog gets through with them.....
and that kind of mentality with a gun will get you killed. Do you honestly think that someone hopped up on drugs will be scared if they hear you loading the gun?? Heck if they hear you it's too damn late!!!! We're talking potential gang bangers here. They have probably already heard the sound of a gun being loaded so many times they are immne to that fear. People on certain drugs have a superhuman drive because of the drugs - they can be shot several times and it not slow them down one bit. By the time they hear you loading and you get the gun loaded they'll have the thing taken away from you and turn it on you.
Posted: February 6, 2006 2:19 pm
by psychjava
Wow - good luck! Sounds a bit scary....perhaps you could try varying your schedule too, if you typically do things on a set schedule (like always return home at 6 pm, etc.). Not that you may need it, but precaution is always a good "paranoid" pre-measure. Better to be cautious and aware then be caught off guard.
I'd also recommend your friends come by at various times to visit, especially your guy friends since you live alone. Just to give the impression that you have lots of people coming and going in case you do feel like you're being "watched" and don't want anyone to know that you're alone.
Look into installing an alarm system too, may be a bit pricey...but could be worth the cost!
I don't want to freak you out or anything, but I know I'd prefer a lot of traffic coming and going then waiting alone hoping I don't need to use a gun.
Posted: February 6, 2006 2:22 pm
by rednekkPH
ph4ever wrote:People on certain drugs have a superhuman drive because of the drugs - they can be shot several times and it not slow them down one bit.
Then you ain't shootin' them with the right gun. I doubt there's a drug out there that could overcome the effects of my 10 gauge turkey gun. If there is, I want some!

Posted: February 6, 2006 2:23 pm
by BahamaBreeze
I am asking a lawyer...she asked what state you live in.
Posted: February 6, 2006 2:28 pm
by buffettbride
rednekkPH wrote:ph4ever wrote:People on certain drugs have a superhuman drive because of the drugs - they can be shot several times and it not slow them down one bit.
Then you ain't shootin' them with the right gun. I doubt there's a drug out there that could overcome the effects of my 10 gauge turkey gun. If there is, I want some!

Wow!! You must have some big turkies in Pennsylvania.

Posted: February 6, 2006 2:30 pm
by ph4ever
rednekkPH wrote:ph4ever wrote:People on certain drugs have a superhuman drive because of the drugs - they can be shot several times and it not slow them down one bit.
Then you ain't shootin' them with the right gun. I doubt there's a drug out there that could overcome the effects of my 10 gauge turkey gun. If there is, I want some!

the fact is that a lot of criminals hopped up on drugs are shot by police officers and continue to charge the officers - sometimes they are shot multiple times. Now I realize that a lot of officers only carry a 9mil or a 38 but I still stand by the ideal that if you're going to have a gun in the house to scare people away but not shoot to kill you're doing yourself more harm than good. If I ever pull out a gun to protect myself or my family you better be damn sure I'm willing to use it and when I use it I'll shoot to kill - period.
Posted: February 6, 2006 5:32 pm
by carey24
BahamaBreeze wrote:I am asking a lawyer...she asked what state you live in.
Maryland