Can I get witness fees whether or not I attend on the date stated in the subpoena? What if I can't attend on the date stated in the subpoena?

Whether a witness receives any witness fee is within the discretion of the court. A court can order that you receive witness fees ($6 per morning or afternoon court session that you are ordered to attend), plus mileage ($0.10 per mile, round trip). If you have a date conflict, you should contact our Witness Coordinator, Witness Hotline at 517-543-4835 immediately to discuss your conflict. In some cases, the Prosecuting Attorney handling the case can put you "on call" (so that you can go to work or school on the day you are subpoenaed, and you will be called at a pre-arranged phone number an hour or so before you are needed in court). 

Witnesses receive witness fees and mileage only when they appear in court at the scheduled time. You will not receive a witness fee or mileage if your case (or your individual appearance) was "called off" or if you do not appear.

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1. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime occur.
2. What if the defense attorney contacts me?
3. Do I have to testify in front of the defendant?
4. Who will be with me in court?
5. How long will I be at court?
6. How many times will I have to appear in court?
7. Does the Prosecuting Attorney's office pay my witness fee? Am I paid in cash?
8. Can I get witness fees whether or not I attend on the date stated in the subpoena? What if I can't attend on the date stated in the subpoena?
9. What if my employer won't let me come to court?
10. How do I know if my case has been "called off"?
11. What if I need an interpreter?
12. What if someone threatens me?
13. I was subpoenaed by the defendant, not the prosecutor. Does this change anything?