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WHAT TO EXPECT IN COURT
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Before the trial, the prosecutor will probably want to meet with you
to discuss the case. Homicide survivors with questions about the
Criminal Justice Process and what to expect in court can call their
local Victim-Witness Assistance Program. In fact, the victim’s local
Victim-Witness Assistance Program will probably contact the victim
before trial by phone or letter, and may send out some informative
brochures. If desired, Victim-Witness can give the survivor information
about the case as it progresses though the system and answer questions
about court. If family and friends of the murder victim wish to attend
the defendant’s trial, staff members from the Victim-Witness Program
can accompany them, and warn them if and when sensitive photographs of
the crime scene and the victim will be displayed, so the survivors will
be prepared and can leave the courtroom if they desire. They may even be
able to arrange for advanced viewing of the photographs at the survivor’s
request. Also, as a close family or friend of the victim, survivors also
may have the right to make a statement regarding what impact the crime
had on them beyond the more obvious effects. For more information about
Victim Impact Statements, see above (THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN
COURT PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO THE OFFENSE) or contact the
Victim-Witness Program. In York County or Poquoson, the number for the Victim-Witness
Assistance Program is (757) 890-3402.
The criminal justice process can be slow, and may take years, if the
defendant continues to appeal the court’s decision. Some survivors may
find that participating in the criminal justice process is an additional
source of stress in their already stressful lives. Others feel positive
about their involvement, and with final sentencing, gain a sense of
closure. Neither of these reactions are wrong, and one individual may
experience both sensations at times. Your Victim-Witness Assistance
Program staff can discuss your concerns and fears about court with you,
and can maintain a list of community resources if survivors feel that
they might like to discuss their experiences with a counselor, or join a
support group of individuals who have also suffered the loss of a loved
one through murder.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
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