Court Procedures & Information

Things To Know Before Coming To Court

• Bring someone with you for company and support
• Bring a favorite game, toy or stuffed animal for a young child.
• If at all possible, leave small children (other than victim/witness) at home or with a family member or friend.
• Do not plan any other activities or appointments for that day. Court cases are heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Your case will be one of many.
• Dress comfortably and carry sweaters even in the summer as courtrooms are often chilly.
• Bring money for lunch and snacks.
• Come prepared with a list of questions for your A.D.A. but understand that the A.D.A.’s are extremely busy. The WOAR Court Advocates can assist with many legal/procedural problems.

On the day of Court

• Everyone is subpoenaed for 9 am. Most judges start hearing court cases around 10 am. Getting to the court house on times insures that you will be able to speak to the ADA handling your case and have all of your questions and concerns addressed before being seen in court.
• There is a Victim/Witness Waiting Room at 1801 Vine Street. You may go to that room after you enter the court building and check into the designated court room. There is also a waiting room in the Criminal Justice Center but you must first check with your A.D.A. before you use that room.
• Usually only victims testify at the preliminary hearing. Sometimes witnesses are also called to testify to fill in the information the victim may not know.
• Preliminary hearings are short – they can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. The judge decides “if it more likely than not that the crime occurred and more likely than not that the defendant committed the crime”.
• Victims and witness are not permitted to be in the courtroom when each other testify- they are sequestered outside the courtroom the wait.
• There will be people in the courtroom when victims testify – police officers, lawyers, etc. The defendant will also be in the courtroom when victims and witnesses testify.

What If I Am Being Harassed?

Inside of Courthouse: If you are harassed by the defendant or his/her family or friends, you must report it immediately to the A.D.A. or a WOAR Court Advocate.

Outside of Courthouse: If you are harassed by the defendant or his/her family or friends anywhere outside of the courtroom (for example in your neighborhood or by phone), you must contact your Special Victims Unit Officer or your A.D.A. Try to keep a detailed list of any and all instances of physical or verbal harassment including date and time.