If a suspect is prosecuted, am I required to testify in court?

If a suspect is prosecuted, am I required to testify in court?

As a witness, you may not necessarily be summoned to testify, as the suspect may plead guilty. Even if the suspect pleads not guilty, the court will decide whether to summon witnesses based on the circumstances of the case. 

If the court issues a witness summons, it is a legally binding document requiring you to appear in court and testify at the specified date, time, and location. 

Upon receiving a witness summons, you generally cannot refuse to appear. Refusal without valid reason may result in contempt of court charges. 

If you have reasonable grounds (e.g., serious illness, being abroad, or safety concerns), you may apply to the court to reschedule your testimony or request to testify via video conference. The court will exercise discretion based on the circumstances. 

Should you fail to appear without justification after receiving the summons, the court may issue an arrest warrant and impose legal sanctions against you.