Frequently Asked Questions About Court

Bettie Knoll, Founder of Victim Advocate Program

Many people encountering the criminal justice system for the first time often ask us the same questions. Click on any of these frequently-asked questions for an answer.

* What is an arrest warrant?

* What happens to the person accused of a crime?

* Can the defendant get out of jail while awaiting trial?

* How are witnesses called?

* What is a subpoena?

* What is a preliminary hearing?

* What does a victim or witness do at a preliminary hearing?

* Are witnesses permitted to be in the courtroom before and after testifying?

* What happens in a trial?

* How and when is sentencing determined?

* What if someone threatens me to get me to drop the charges?

* What if the defense attorney contacts me about the case?

* Can I be compensated for losses I have suffered as a victim?

* What’s in it for me?

* Does the prosecuting attorney’s office really care about me?

* What if I change my mind about prosecuting or testifying?