onetimeonly

Hello, I work in a store and saw a theif steal quite a few expensive items. Our owner called the cops and as I had witnessed it in person and got the guys car plates I had to show the cop my driver's license and say that I recognized the guy from the video footage. Anyway, just thinking ahead, can LPRs testify in court if that happens (is that what happens?). I don't really know what the process is, it was actually the first time I've spoken to police the entire time I've lived here, and it's been over a decade at this point. I know we can't do jury duty so I'd prefer to just stay away from this kind of thing altogether.

mikelincs

Welcome to BE.

Of course LPRs can testify, visitors can also testify, you do not need to be a citizen or GC holder.

ian-mstm

Yes. Anyone can be called to testify.

Ian

tom169

Anyone can testify, but only a citizen can serve on a jury.

Guindalf

Many years ago, a friend of mine was I New York when he was mugged. Well, it was an attempted mugging. Two guys tried to rob him and it resulted in him wrestling with one of them and managing to detain him until the police arrived. He identified the other guy, who was arrested a short time later.

He was obviously called to testify when the case came to trial and NYPD paid for his flight and expenses to return to NY when he was needed.

Confirmation that there are no legal prerequisites to testifying!

Michele11

Testify Yes, Jury duty No.

Pulaski

All of the above, plus illegal immigrants can testify, though many might be reluctant to do so.

Giantaxe

One reason for "sanctuary city" policies.

MMcD

Hadn't thought of that

Excellent point!

RICH

When I first arrived in 2004 and was awaiting AOS from K1 to LPR, I volunteered as a witness in a mock trial at the local law school. Or I might have been the defendant. Can't recall the details

albanks2542

Yes you can and if called to do so you probably should because you don't want to risk being accused of obstruction of justice or similar offence by refusing to do so which if convicted would probably lead to being deported.

My son lived in nyc for a year ten years ago one of his friends an english girl got attacked by a group of brit girls some of whom came from the same town in England. She was legal but she refused to speak to the police and left the country fearing for her safety in new york and he has never been able to get back into america since. Two of the girls that did it were illegal and didn't get deported. How ironic they forced her out and they weren't legal. You don't want to risk being kicked out over something stupid like that so do what you have to do.

hungryhorace

No, of course they can't. Nor can blacks, Chinese or the Irish. Oh, and the illegals either; they're all banned from helping the police with their enquiries.

Honestly....what a stupid question.

hungryhorace

Refusal to testify voluntarily is NOT remotely grounds for an obstruction charge.

albanks2542

Wouldn't that depend upon the state the person lives in? And refusing to testify if compelled to do so is isn't it? As is providing a false statement to the police. It could be a slippery slope.

hungryhorace

Of course, but State law has to sit within the bounds of the Constitution (despite aggressive attempts by mainly Southern states to avoid this), so whilst each State has different benchmarks, it's a monumental jump to go from refusing to voluntarily testify to being charged with obstruction.


No. That's contempt.

It's really not. No one is suggesting a false statement is being made. You're just clutching to make an argument for potential obstruction when none exists.