WHAT TO EXPECT IN COURT

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If there is a suspect in the case, there may be an arrest. After an arrest, the case will be set for trial. Before the trial, the prosecutor will probably want to meet with you to discuss the case. Talking about the assault may be difficult, but it is necessary. Be prepared in case something you see or hear at these meetings and/or the trial triggers feelings similar to those you experienced when the crime originally occurred. 

If the victim has questions about the criminal justice process and what to expect in court, s/he can call your 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 victim information about the case as it progresses though the system and answer questions about court. They can also arrange for a separate waiting area before court, if desired by the victim. Also, as a victim of crime, you also may have the right to make a statement regarding what impact the crime had on you 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. They also maintain a list of community resources in the area that may be of interest to the victim, including names of counselors and sexual assault support agencies. In York County or Poquoson, the number for the Victim-Witness Assistance Program is (757) 890-3402. Two other area organizations that assist victims of sexual assault are Avalon (757) 258-5051 and The Center for Sexual Support Services (757) 825-2591.