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Witness Coordination
Victims
and witnesses are important to the judicial system. Without your cooperation and
support the prosecution of criminals would not be successful.
The
Witness Coordination Program can provide you information and answer your
questions about why you are needed as a witness and what to expect.
All
parties involved in the judicial process realize your time is valuable and will
make every attempt to ensure your time is not wasted. There may be unavoidable
delays before you testify; please be patient, you have not been forgotten. If
you are contacted by an attorney or investigator prior to trial, please
cooperate. Failure to do so could jeopardize the outcome of the case.
Witness
waiting rooms are located near the courtrooms in each courthouse for your
convenience. If you would like to view a courtroom before trial you may do so by
contacting the Witness Coordination Office.
Crimes
compensation is available to some victims. Information is available from law
enforcement agencies, or by contacting our Victim Services Unit.
Some
Suggestions for Being a Good Witness
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Be
neat in your appearance. Proper attire is required. Dress slacks and shirt
for the men, and dresses, skirt and blouse or dress slacks for the ladies.
SHORTS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE COURTROOM. You will be noticed not only by
what you say, but also by how you look.
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Avoid
distracting habits such as chewing gum or playing with your hair.
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Before
testifying try to recall information accurately in your mind. Do not
memorize your testimony, it will lack the ring of truth.
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Be
serious at all times. The courtroom is not a place to be humorous.
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Stop
immediately if the judge interrupts you, or if an attorney makes an
objection.
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Speak
loudly so that you can be heard. Do not nod, but answer "yes" or
"no."
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Listen
to the questions. Answer the question asked directly and simply, then stop.
Do not volunteer additional information.
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Do
not give opinions unless asked. Do not let personal feelings of who is right
or wrong color your testimony.
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Answer
questions to the best of your ability. It is not improper to say, "I
don't remember" or "I don't know." If you make a mistake
in answering a question, correct it immediately.
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Do
not argue with the attorney. Treat both attorneys with courtesy and respect.
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If
you are asked if you have spoken with anyone about your testimony before
coming to court, be sure and answer "yes" if you have. There is
nothing wrong with discussing the facts with an attorney, investigators, or
a law enforcement officer.
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Be
natural, be yourself. Relax and do the best you can.
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Upon
arrival at the designated courtroom, do not go into the courtroom. Go to the
witness waiting rooms. In felony cases an investigator will be advised of
your arrival. In misdemeanor cases, you will be instructed at what courtroom
to appear.
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Leave
the witness stand with confidence in the knowledge that you have presented
the truth to the best of your ability.
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Remember
to bring your subpoena with you for any court appearance. To receive payment
for appearing as a witness, bring your subpoena to Witness Management. It
will be stamped and forward to the Jury Clerk's Office. (See #8 of Questions
and Answers)
Questions
and Answers
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1.
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How
does a case get to court?
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If
you are a victim or witness of a criminal act, your involvement with
the justice system begins when you enter a written or oral complaint,
under oath, before a judicial officer. If the evidence is sufficient
to indicate that a crime has been committed, a charging document is
issued to bring the accused before the court.
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2.
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Do
I have to come to court?
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Yes,
if you receive a subpoena from the State Attorney's Office or a notice
to appear. Upon receipt of your subpoena you must call Witness
Management. From this point on your contact with Witness Coordination
is very important in regard to court date changes, telephone stand-by
procedures and disposed information.
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3.
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How
many times will I be needed in court?
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Witness
Coordination will place you on telephone stand-by each time the case
comes up for trial. You need only appear when called to come to court
by Witness Coordination or the attorney that has subpoenaed you.
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4.
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What
happens if a defendant does not appear?
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A
bench warrant is issued to arrest the defendant if he does not appear
in court.
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5.
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How
do I prepare myself for what happens in the courtroom?
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Review
the case in your mind a day or two before your court date. You can
refresh your memory by making notes, but do not memorize material or
your testimony might appear "staged." Also, the attorney or
investigator will talk with you prior to your taking the stand.
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6.
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What
if I am threatened in connection with the case?
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It
is very rare that a witness is threatened. However, if this does
occur, you are to contact the Witness Coordination immediately.
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7.
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If
I have a problem with transportation, with the scheduled time of my
appearance, vacation schedule, business appointment out of town, or a
general question regarding court dates, what do I do?
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Contact
the Witness Coordination Office with any and all court date conflicts.
This will enable the attorneys to decide how to proceed with the case.
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8.
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How
do I receive payment?
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After
you testify in court, bring your subpoena and parking ticket to the
Witness Coordination Office. Your parking ticket will be validated and
your subpoena will be forwarded to the Jury Clerk's Office. The
Clerk's Office will mail a check to your address.
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