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VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT... |
Once a case is indicted by the Grand Jury, the Victim Witness
Assistance Unit establishes contact with the victim by sending a
letter and brochure explaining the rights to which a victim is
entitled. Through early contact with a victim, any specialized needs
of the victim can be identified and the stress and trauma of the
criminal justice process is minimized.
It is very important that victims and witnesses keep the State's
Attorney's Office informed of their current address and telephone
number so that we can contact them about their case. If
victims or witnesses move, they must call our office.
The following are a list of services provided to assist victims of
crime:
Explanation of the Court Process:
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. For more on the
process [click here..].
Victim Impact Statement:
According to Maryland Law, a victim is entitled to provide the
jury before sentencing with a statement describing how the crime
affected his/her life. Once completed and returned to us, the Victim
Witness Assistance Unit will make sure it becomes part of the court
file.
Restitution and Property Return:
This office will be asking for the information regarding your
injuries and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you as a result
of this offense. This information will be made accessible to the
judge and where appropriate, the court may order the defendant to
reimburse you for your losses as part of the sentence.
This office will assist with the return of property held in evidence
by the police or the court. When possible, we will ask for prompt
property return soon after a defendant is charged.
Employer Intercession:
Coming to court to testify as a State's witness is both a civic
duty and a legal obligation. If your employer needs any assistance
from us regarding your status as a State's witness, please let us
know.
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