Resources for You

For Victims & Witnesses of Crime

Here are a few resources such as, facts about the criminal justice system, terminology, and recommendations for those that will be testifying. Below will be terms to get yourself acquainted with, victim’s rights, and some suggestions for witnesses.

• Victims’ Rights

  • Rights of victims and prosecution witness:

    • Dignified and compassionate treatment.

    • Protection of intimidation/retaliation from defendant and/or defendants family.

    • Separation from defendant and family at court (when possible).

  • Victims Shall Upon Request Have a Right To:

    • Information about court processes, continuances, plea negotiations, court times, dates, locations, victim’s role in each stage, service agency referral, compensation, voicing an opinion on a defendant’s sentencing or plea.

    • Recovery of property as soon as legally permissible.

    • Restitution (Information on how to obtain a restitution directly from defendant).

    • Priority to victims of violent crime (due to legal requirements and limited resources).

• Suggestions for Witnesses

  • Have a neat appearance and proper dress.

  • Don’t worry about being nervous, it’s common.

  • You will be asked to take an oath to tell the truth. Remember the seriousness of this oath.

  • Tell the truth. Even a minor fabrication can discredit a witness and weaken a case.

  • Do not argue with the lawyer. Be courteous, even if they are not.

  • If you do not understand a question, tell the attorney or judge and ask for an explanation. If you don’t remember an answer, just say so.

  • Listen carefully.

  • Stay away from jurors during recesses.

  • Once you have been sworn in, do not discuss your testimony with other witnesses.

• TERMS

  • Warrant—A written order from a judge that a person be arrested. If you are a victim or a witness, the warrant is based on a written statement about the crime in which you were involved.

  • Bail—An amount paid or pledged by the defendant to make sure he or she will appear in court.

  • Preliminary Hearing—A hearing, usually in general sessions court, to determine if there is reason to believe that a crime has been committed it.

  • Grand Jury—An independent group of private citizens who listen to information about the crime in order to decide whether the case should go to trial.

  • Indictment—If the grand jurors decide that a case should go to trial, they “return” an indictment or presentment charging the defendant with the crime or crimes committed.

  • Parole—The release of a person fro prison before the end of their sentence, under certain conditions or restrictions which must be met or the person will be returned to prison.

  • Victims’ Compensation—Tennessee law provides for victims of violent crimes, or their dependents, who have suffered out-of-pocket losses due to physical injuries. Give us a call if you have questions about this type of compensation and whether you qualify.