Cedar decks generally last from 15 to 20 years, but they can deteriorate faster, particularly on the ground-floor and in shaded areas that take longer to dry out. The average material cost for cedar is $5 to $15 per square foot, for an estimated cost of $6,400 to $24,000 to replace a 16-by-20-foot deck.
You also cannot be compelled to give evidence against a co-accused where you are both being tried in the same proceedings. However, if the prosecution refuses to offer any evidence against you and you are acquitted, then you can be compelled to testify against a co-accused.
In many cases, such as a simple assault, the primary evidence, and sometimes the only evidence, against the defendant is the testimony of the victim. Many times, a victim will think that he or she can simply refuse to testify in order to get a case dismissed against a loved one. While it is true that it is difficult to actually force a victim or a witness to testify, it is important to note that nobody has the right to refuse to testify.