Q: What if I change my mind about prosecuting or testifying?

A crime committed against any person is also a crime committed against the state. Thus, the decision whether to proceed with the prosecution of a particular case is a decision to be made by the prosecutor, not the victim. The prosecutor must consider the importance of the case to the whole community, not just to a particular person.

If you have become reluctant to testify in a criminal case, please discuss our concerns with the Victim Advocate, the Investigator or the prosecutor handling the case. They will try to answer your questions and help with any problems that might be causing your reluctance.

Ultimately, with certain exceptions, the court can compel testimony from a victim or witness, thereby forcing the witness to testify in spite of reluctance.