Well...
I got a call from the police yesterday and my neighbor has been arraigned and is facing the charge of arson of a dwelling or house. It's a five year felony, but the investigator thinks that she won't go to prison because she has no record and has kids.
I've got to testify next week in a preliminary exam and I'm scared. I don't do well with public speaking and I don't know if this psycho will get all vendictive on me.
I'm hoping for the best.
Thanks again to all of your for your continued support through this ordeal. It means the world to me

applekisses said:

No reason to be scared. Just remember that it's not an oratory contest; you're just there to give your side of the story. And the law is there to protect you from people like this.

Try not to be nervous, Apples. I've had to testify in court 3 times, and with the exception of the first time, I've done exceptionally well. (I was only 16 the first time.) You'll be fine.

Ace said:

exactly, well said Ace

Thanks, guys.

I don't want to see her...and I hope this is the only time I need to do this. I don't want to have to testify during the trial or anything.

I wish I could be mochalox's crazy arsonist neighbour. Then she might notice me.

Fauxie said:

I don't think she'd bake you a cake with a file in it.

applekisses said:

Unfortunately I think you're right.



Best of luck sweetheart. You'll do fine.

Fauxie said:

Thanks, honey. I appreciate that

Ace said:

Thanks

I really believe the law is designed to protect the criminal. I have no faith in the American "justice" system.

I *think* in the preliminary exam it's just you...you won't have to face her at all.

s apples you'll do fine

EskomoKisses said:

Thanks, honey.
But, the investigator told me she'll be there...along with about 10 other people including the judge, attorneys and cops.

applekisses said:

BLAH

EskomoKisses said:

I know...
I'm trying to just push it to the back of my mind and enjoy the holidays. My sister will be there with me, so I won't have to go alone. That makes me feel a ton better.

yes! court isn't public speaking. You should have no reason to worry about your neighbor doing anything to you while you are in court telling what you seen/know.

MickG said:

Well...I know she won't do anything to me while we're in court, but she's not in custody and it's doubtful that she will go to jail. She's very vindictive and started this fire and blamed it on someone she was arguing with.

applekisses said:

You are trapped in a paniced state of mind. Think Objectivly. What is her life like right now? I will tell you. She's "in trouble", and she would have to be very stupid to cause more. She would need to view you as the problem, and from what I understand you are just one little witness.

MickG said:

That is true. I'm usually more level-headed than this. I guess it's just been a rough few months.

Keep your head and tell the truth, everything will be fine and if it's not, call me and I'll smash her knee cap with a tire iron.


[Edited 12/21/05 11:42am]

Slave2daGroove said:

Justice Detroit-style!




(I may take you up on that, you know!) , thanks, Chris!

You'll do fine.

only you can tell the truth about what happened to you.
sorry hun, i've never had to do it before
but if you just keep in mind that they are looking for the truth as you know it then how can you go wrong?

you have made your statements... this will just be giving your story to the judge. actually this is great news that she is facing a felony charge. even if she doesn't get jail time the point will be to get a conviction.

and of course, we are all glad that you and the kitties are safe and sound this christmas

Good luck Andrea! You'll do fine.