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- Q. I am the victim in
a criminal case. How do I find out who will be prosecuting my case?
- A. You will receive a
letter and brochure from the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and
Victim/Witness Services which provides you with the name of the prosecutor
and a phone number should you need to contact them, as well as other
helpful information. You may also contact the Victim/Witness Office to request this information.
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Q. I have moved from
Suffolk since the crime occurred. Who pays for my travel expenses?
- A. The Commonwealth of
Virginia will reimburse certain travel expenses for victims or witnesses
provided the following conditions are met:
- The victim or witness
is subpoenaed by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
- The victim or witness
travels more than fifty (50) miles in one direction to appear
in court.
- The travel reimbursement
has been approved by the prosecutor assigned to the case and arrangements
are made through Victim/Witness Service
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- Q. I am a domestic violence
victim. My husband promised to never lay a hand on me again. Can I
drop the charges?
- A. No. The only person
who can request the court to drop charges is the Prosecutor. Suffolk's
Commonwealth's Attorney has implemented a No-Drop Policy in domestic
violence cases. This is to protect you against further violence and
to document the violence that has already occurred.
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Q. What is a preliminary
hearing, and do I need to be there?
- A. A preliminary hearing
is a scheduled court event with testimony under oath. The judge, defendant,
defendant's attorney, the prosecutor and any victims or witnesses
subpoenaed are present. The prosecutor must prove to the judge that
there is enough evidence to show that a crime has been committed (known
as probable cause). The prosecutor will put on minimal evidence sufficient
to justify further proceedings. If the prosecution establishes probable
cause, the victim is usually required to testify, and the case is
certified to the Grand Jury.
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Q. I can't afford to
pay the medical expenses which resulted from this crime. What compensation
is available to me?
- A. Victims of crimes
who suffer from physical injuries as a result of a crime may
be eligible for state compensation to cover medical expenses, psychological
counseling, partial loss of earnings, or funeral expenses which were
incurred as a result of their victimization.
Qualifications for Criminal Injuries Compensation are:
- The crime occurred
in Virginia and resulted in physical injury or death.
- The crime was reported
to law enforcement within 120 hours after it happened unless good
cause for delay is shown.
- The victim cooperated
with law enforcement and was willing to prosecute in court.
- The value of the claim,
not paid by other sources, must be at least $100.00.
- The crime did not
involve a motor vehicle accident unless it was a result of a violation
of the Drunk Driving Statute or the injuries were intentionally
inflicted.
If you meet this criteria, please contact the Suffolk Victim/Witness
Office
Q. I have been threatened
to drop the charges and told not to testify. Who can help me? - A. Threatening a victim
or witness is a serious crime in Virginia. If you are threatened by
the defendant, or anyone else in regard to your case, immediately
call the Suffolk Police Department at 911, or the Detective Bureau.
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Q. I am concerned that
the defendant's attorney may contact me. What should I do?
- A. You may discuss
the case with the defense if you wish, but you are not required
to. You should inform the prosecutor handling your case either
way.
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Q. Who do I contact if
I feel an elderly person or physically impaired adult is being abused,
neglected or injured?
- A. Contact Adult
Protective Services (1-888-832-3858) at Suffolk's Department of Social Services or call the Suffolk Police at 911 if it is an emergency.
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Q. What is a bond hearing
and what is the victim's role?
- A. The defendant may
request a bond hearing in which the judge reviews the defendant's
current bond and determines whether or not to reduce it. The victim
has the right to be notified of such proceedings and may address the
court. The victim informs the court of any reason why the defendant
should not receive a reduction, i.e. future threat to you or others;
unemployed; unstable living conditions; or not living in this area.
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Q. I was issued a subpoena
for court. What happens if I don't show up?
- A. If you do not have
permission to be excused from court by the Assistant Commonwealth's
Attorney prosecuting the case, the court can issue a capias for your
arrest for failure to appear. Contact phone numbers are provided on
the subpoena to assist you in contacting the attorney should the need
arise.
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