Victim/Witness Assistance
COURT PROCESS
EXPLANATION
As a victim or a witness of a crime, you automatically become involved in a system that can sometimes be intimidating and confusing. The Victim Witness Assistance Unit will be here to explain court procedures to you and answer any questions that you may have regarding your case. We will follow your case through to final disposition and inform you of that decision.
SUMMONS/SUBPOENAS
FOR CIRCUIT COURT: A Deputy Sheriff will deliver a witness summons to victims and witnesses notifying them of the scheduled court date. The law requires them to appear on that date unless they have been excused by a representative of the State's Attorney's Office. You can see if you are excused the night before your trial date by going to NEXT DAY CIRCUIT COURT STATUS or by calling the VICTIM/WITNESS HOTLINE @ 240-313-2031.
FOR DISTRICT COURT: Subpoenas for victims and witnesses are generated through Annapolis District Court and sent through the United States Postal Service. The law requires them to appear on that date unless they have been excused by a representative of the State's Attorney's Office. If there is a conflict with your court date, you must make a written request 2 weeks prior to the court date asking to be excused. You can mail your request including your case number, your name, contact information, and explanation of conflict for excusal to our State's Attorney's Office at 33 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or fax it to 240-313-2001.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Victims and witnesses have the right to decide whether or not they want to discuss the case with the defendant's attorney. If they choose to talk to the defendant's attorney, they may also request that a representative from the State's Attorney's Office be present during the interview. Victims and witnesses should always be sure they know who they are talking to when they discuss their case.
MOTION'S HEARING
It may be necessary for victims and witnesses to appear at an informal hearing called a Motion's Hearing. This hearing is scheduled before the trial so that the evidence can be reviewed by the judge. Victims and witnesses should call their Victim/Witness Coordinator the day before the hearing to see if they will be needed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The prosecutors of the State’s Attorney’s Office respect the opinions, concerns, and expected outcomes of each and every victim. However, each prosecutor took an oath to handle his/her duties in a fair and unbiased fashion.
There are times when the evidence is not strong enough to proceed with the higher charge. Sometimes a plea to a lesser charge is the best solution. Numerous reasons may exist to enter into plea agreements with defendants. This can be extremely frustrating for the victim. We are available to answer questions regarding this situation if they should occur.
CONTINUANCES
FOR CIRCUIT COURT: Court hearings cannot always take place as scheduled and may be "continued" (postponed). Victims and witnesses should call their Victim/Witness Coordinator the day before the trial to make sure there have been no last-minute changes. You can see if you are excused the night before your trial date by going to NEXT DAY CIRCUIT COURT STATUS or by calling the VICTIM/WITNESS HOTLINE @ 240-313-2031.
FOR DISTRICT COURT: You may call our office at 240-313-2000 the day before your court date with the case number available and check to see if that case is still on the docket for that day.
Page Modified11/13/09 10:39 AM