Q: What’s in it for me?

First of all, by serving as a witness in a criminal case you will know that you have done your best to make your community a safe one in which to live and work. You may feel frustrated and discouraged as the case winds its way through the system. The process usually takes some time. Try to remember that some of the delays are due to a system designed to protect the rights of someone accused of a crime – the same rights you would want in place if someone accused you of a crime. In our country, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. To protect this right, our system of criminal justice involves many steps.