As a witness in a trial

You do not have to testify against yourself.

You also have the right not to testify if the person accused is your next of kin.

You must still attend the hearing if you have received an invitation to it. In the hearing, the judge may exempt you from the obligation to testify.

As a witness, you do not need to disclose matters that could lead to bringing charges against you or your next of kin. If you therefore cannot answer a question, you must clearly inform the court of this.

You do not need to disclose a business or trade secret unless the court separately obligates you to do so.

If the prosecutor has appointed you as a witness, the state will reimburse you for your travel expenses and loss of earnings. In addition, you will be paid a per diem allowance.

You may also receive compensation if the party that appointed you as a witness has been granted legal aid paid by the state.

If you have been appointed as a witness by a private party that does not receive legal aid, the party concerned must reimburse you for the costs of arriving to court.

Be prepared to present in court the receipts and other reports on the expenses for which you want compensation.