When someone is needed as a witness in a court case, the court clerk or a notary public sends them an official notice telling them when and where to show up. The witness has to keep showing up every time the case is heard until it is over or the court lets them go. If the witness does not show up when required, a court can force them to appear and make them pay the court costs.
491.090. of es — procedure — consequences of . — 1. In all cases where witnesses are required to attend the trial in any in any , a summons shall be issued by the wherein the matter is pending, or by some of the county wherein such trial shall be had, stating the day and place when and where the witnesses are to appear.
2. The witness shall be required to attend a trial from time to time, and from to term, until the case be or the witness is finally by the court. The witness shall be to for any or failure to appear as a witness at the trial and to pay the . Costs shall not be allowed for any subsequent or for the witness.
(RSMo 1939 § 1897, A.L. 1945 p. 917, A.L. 1985 S.B. 5, et al.)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 1733; 1919 § 5420; 1909 § 6364
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Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.