Suggestions

What's In It for Me?

What Can I Do to Help?

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Suggestions

• Have a neat appearance and proper dress
• Don't worry if you are nervous; it's common.
• You will be asked to take an oath to tell the truth. Remember the seriousness of this oath the entire time.
• Tell the Truth. Even a minor fabrication can discredit a witness and weaken the case. In court, as in most things, Honesty is the best Policy.
• Be serious. Avoid laughing or being 'flip.'
• Do not argue with the lawyer. Be courteous, even if the lawyer is not.
• If you do not understand a question, tell the attorney or judge and ask him to explain. If you do not remember an answer, say that you cannot remember.
• Listen carefully to the questions. Take your time. Do not give a snap answer without thinking.
• Stay away from the jurors during recesses. Politely but firmly avoid letting jurors talk to you.
• Once you have been sworn, do not discuss your testimony with other witnesses.
• Above all, think before you speak and always speak the truth.

What's in it for me?

First and foremost, you will know that you have done your best to make your community a safe one in which to live and work. You may sometimes feel frustrated and discouraged--the process of justice does take time. Some of the delays you encounter, however, are part of the system that protects your rights if someone accuses you of a crime. In our country, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. To protect this right, our system of criminal justice provides many steps.

What can I do to help?

Contact the Victim-Witness Coordinator or the District Attorney's Office if you move or change your telephone number. It may be impossible for us to get in touch with you otherwise.