The court date
Before the court case, you will receive a citation or letter giving you a date for the case to start.
This citation is a formal notice to attend court as a witness. This must not be ignored.
It is important that you attend at the place and time indicated in the citation.
You should let the procurator fiscal, children's reporter or lawyer know immediately if there is some important reason why the date in the citation may be difficult for you, for example, if you are due to attend a hospital appointment on that date.
You should also contact them if you have any other questions or anxieties about the citation and the court appearance.
If you are cited as a witness, you must attend court.
In both a criminal and children's hearing court case, if you do not turn up, the court can issue you with a summons or issue a warrant for your arrest.
If you are worried about giving evidence, you should speak to the person who has cited you to be a witness.