State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Nebraska > Chapter29 > 29-1903

29-1903. Witnesses for defense; compulsory process; how obtained; fees to be paid by county; when; affidavit; effect.Any person accused of crime amounting to felony shall have compulsory process to enforce the attendance of witnesses in his or her behalf, and they shall be paid for their mileage and per diem the same fees as are now or may hereafter be allowed by law to witnesses for the state in the prosecution of such accused person. Mileage shall be computed at the rate provided in section 81-1176 for state employees. In case such accused person is convicted and is unable to pay such mileage and per diem to any witnesses, they shall be paid out of the county treasury of the county wherein such crime was committed; and in case such accused person is acquitted upon his or her trial, the fees of his or her witnesses shall be likewise paid out of such county treasury; Provided, however, in no case shall the fees of any such witnesses be so paid, unless before the trial of such accusations such accused person shall make and file an affidavit, stating the names of his or her witnesses, and that he or she has made a statement to his or her counsel of the facts he or she expects to prove by such witnesses, and has been advised by such counsel that their testimony is material on the trial of such accusation, and shall also file an affidavit of such counsel that he or she deems the testimony of such witnesses necessary and material on behalf of such accused person; whereupon the court or judge shall make an order directing that such witnesses, not exceeding fifteen in number, be paid out of the county treasury of the county in which accusations shall be made. SourceG.S.1873, c. 58, § 461, p. 825; Laws 1885, c. 106, § 1, p. 394; R.S.1913, § 9101; C.S.1922, § 10126; C.S.1929, § 29-1903; R.S.1943, § 29-1903; Laws 1981, LB 204, § 40. AnnotationsDefendant may not be arbitrarily deprived of testimony that would have been relevant, material, and vital to the defense. State v. Cain, 223 Neb. 796, 393 N.W.2d 727 (1986).Court may require showing of what testimony may be expected of prospective witness before entry of order for compulsory process. O'Rourke v. State, 166 Neb. 866, 90 N.W.2d 820 (1958).Where testimony of witness was incompetent, failure to serve compulsory process was not prejudicial. Garcia v. State, 159 Neb. 571, 68 N.W.2d 151 (1955).Liability of county arises only by express provisions of statute. Worthen v. Johnson County, 62 Neb. 754, 87 N.W. 909 (1901).