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WHAT TO EXPECT IN COURT
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The court process can be intimidating and confusing for anyone,
especially individuals who have experienced a violent crime. Often,
robbery victims may have never had contact with the Criminal Justice
Process before. They may have lots of questions about what to expect.
The Victim-Witness Assistance Program is here to help you get
information, answer your questions about your case, and help prepare you
for court. They can also arrange a separate waiting area for you on the
trial date, if necessary, can provide a letter for your employer
regarding your civic duty as a witness in a court case. As a victim of
crime, you also have the right to make a statement regarding what impact
the crime had on you beyond the more obvious effects. Most of these
statements are written Victim Impact Statements. 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. Below are some general tips to help you prepare
for court:
1) Prepare a list of any
out-of-pocket expenses, including items
stolen, medical and/or counseling expenses. This will be helpful in
completing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund application, if
applicable, and in assisting the judge in determining the restitution
amount.
2) Speak with the Commonwealth’s Attorney
prosecuting the case.
3) Be prepared
in
case something you see of hear at the trial triggers feelings similar to
those you experienced when the crime originally occurred.
IMPORTANT
PHONE NUMBERS
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