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A summons to appear as a witness means an authority (court, prosecutor's office, police) wants you to testify in someone else's case — you are neither a party nor a suspect. The letter states the case number, the place, date and time, and the capacity in which you are summoned. Testifying is a legal obligation.
There is no deadline to 'respond' — what binds you is the date and time of appearance stated in the summons. If you cannot appear (e.g. illness, a previously planned trip), excuse your absence as early as possible and ask for a new date.
The deadline runs from the day the letter is delivered (received) — the delivery day itself does not count. Verify the delivery date with a lawyer: whether you make the deadline depends on it.
For an unexcused failure to appear the authority may impose a monetary penalty and may even order your detention and compulsory appearance. Penalties can be imposed again for subsequent dates. An absence must be excused — simply not showing up does not close the matter.
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As a rule, no — a witness must testify. The right to refuse testimony belongs, among others, to persons closest to the accused, and you may refuse to answer a specific question where the answer could expose you or a person close to you to criminal liability.
Yes — a witness is entitled to reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs and lost earnings. The request must, as a rule, be filed within a short time after the hearing — ask at the court office right after testifying.
A witness may use a lawyer's assistance, especially where the case may also touch their own interests. If you are worried your testimony could incriminate you, consult an advocate before the date.
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