What's the best way to approach a professor about missing classes due to being subpoenaed for court appearances? I'm 32-years-old and I recently quit my job (Police Detective) due to my wife getting a good job in a different city, three hours away.  Well, now I'm jobless and don't intend on going back into law enforcement.  I decided to go back to school and pursue a law degree.

Unfortunately, as gratifying as my job was, I have several cases still in the judicial pipeline that will require my court testimony.  I'm a little concerned it will most likely interfere with my collegiate attendance, and subsequently, my grades.   I really want to get into a tier-1 law school, so good grades are essential.

How can I approach my professor about this dilemma, without appearing to be requesting preferential treatment?  

Thanks for any advice!   