• Protection from further harm and threats of harm.
• A waiting area separate from the accused during court proceedings.
• Assistance with protective orders.

• Financial assistance to pay any unreimbursed expenses, including medical expenses, lost wages, counseling fees or funeral expenses, of victims who suffer personal physical injury or death as a result of a crime.

• Prompt return of property being held as evidence when it is no longer needed for court.

• Restitution for damages or loss, if ordered by the court.

Virginia Victims Fund
www.virginiavictimsfund.org

• Information on the status of your case throughout the court process.

• Assistance with time off from work.

Prisoner release or transfer information

• Courtroom support during trial.

Victim Impact Statement Preparation

• Confidentiality of phone number and address.

• Closed preliminary hearing in limited situations.

• Use of two-way, closed circuit television in limited situations.

Victim Notification Program

Be Prepared: Try to have dates, times, places, and other details clear in your mind. Try to recall what happened and picture the scene and objects there, but don’t try to memorize your testimony. Just be prepared to tell what happened in your own words.

Tell the Truth: Remember that you are under oath. Don’t try to figure out if your answer will help or hurt the case. Just answer truthfully, to the best of your memory.

Do Not Guess or Speculate: If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. Likewise, if you do not remember, say so. Do not guess.

Answer Only the Question Asked of You: If you can answer the question with a simple “yes” or “no,” do so. Do not volunteer information and remember to stop speaking immediately if the judge interrupts or an attorney objects to a question. If you do not understand a question, ask that it be repeated or explained.

Speak Clearly and Loudly: When testifying, direct your responses to the Judge or jury hearing the case. Everyone present in the courtroom must be able to hear and understand your testimony. An inaudible voice can detract from your testimony and may make the court think that you are not certain of what you are saying.

Dress Neatly and Be Courteous: The way you dress and present yourself in court is a direct reflection of you. It is to your advantage to dress neatly. Try to remain calm and do not lose your temper. Always show respect towards the Judge and attorneys.

Be Prepared to Wait: Unfortunately, no one can predict how long a hearing or trial will last. Therefore, you may have to wait for a period of time so you may want to prepare for this by bringing a book or magazine with you. Additionally, the temperature in the courtroom fluctuates so you may want to bring a sweater or jacket.

Remember: Do not discuss your testimony with other witnesses in the case. If you or any other witness are threatened by the defendant or anyone else in regard to your testimony, immediately call the police and contact your Victim Witness Office.

Magistrate: A judicial officer who has the authority to issue warrants.
Warrant: A written, legal order authorizing a law enforcement officer to make an arrest.
Bond: The amount of cash or surety a defendant may have to present before being released from jail pending trial.
Testimony: Information or evidence given by a witness under oath.
Continuance: Postponement of a hearing or trial to a later date.
Preliminary Hearing: A hearing in which the prosecutor must prove to a District Court Judge that there is probable cause to certify a case and send it to the Grand Jury in Circuit Court.
Probable Cause: Reasonable grounds for belief that a crime has been committed and that the person(s) charged committed the crime.
Grand Jury: A random selection of five to seven citizens who decide if there is probable cause for a case to proceed to trial in Circuit Court.
Plea Agreement: In some cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to modify the charge(s) or
recommend the defendant receive a specific sentence in return for a plea of guilty.
Nolle Prosequi: A dismissal of the charge by the prosecution.
Pre-Sentence Report: After a finding of guilt, an investigation of the defendant’s history completed by a
probation officer and used by the Judge in deciding the sentence.
Victim Impact Statement: A statement provided by the victim to describe how the crime has affected them physically, financially, and emotionally.
Restitution: Reimbursement for loss or damages.
Protective Order: An order issued by a Judge or Magistrate to protect the health and safety of a person
who is alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in fear of death, sexual assault or bodily injury.
Show Cause: A court order that requires a person.