We rotate shifts every two months here. Without fail the only time I get called to court is when I am on dogwatch.
We get the subpoenas then we wait for the stand by notice....then we wait to see if the case is really going to trial.
Then some ADA will call and say we need you here NOW.
So we go downtown and waste a day while the lawyers play their games and everthing gets reset.
Then we do it all again and the defendant pleads out and we never set foot in the court.
Happened to me this week and I ended up being awake for a day and a half.
On a friggin DWI case from 2 years ago.
We get no respect from the DA here. We get "comp" time for going to court so not like I am making money on the deal.
The juvenile court here is the worst. I got off shift at 0700 and was there at the court at 0830....and there I was...in a waiting room full of kids books and videos until 1600.
At which time I was released without ever testifying.
By the way, "The Lion King" is a good movie.
Back at work at 2230.
I hate lawyers on both sides now.
The only time I got treated right  by a DA was in Ft. Worth when I was there for a murder trial.
I reckon if you catch a killer you get some respect but how often does that happen?
Guess this was a rant.

It's just bad luck man.  I hate it when it happens, but it seems like 70% of the time I set up interviews or have a trial, I'm calling someone in who's off-duty.  Or worse just came off duty.  

On the other hand, it's nice to see it's not just me.  

Oh I swear out DA has my schedule.  I always get at 0400 and have to be in court at 0730.  So I am lucky if i get 3 hours of sleep before court.  Its SUCKS!!