Frequently Asked Questions

You are not obligated to come to court unless you receive a subpoena. However, as the victim of a crime committed by an adult offender, you have the right to be at any hearing. Many juvenile hearings are closed and you should ask your Victim Witness Specialist whether you may attend. Victim Witness Specialists are available to escort or accompany you to the courtroom and explain the proceedings if you wish.

Before you appear in court, contact the Anoka County Victim Witness Program at (763) 323-5559. These specialists can help you understand your role, your rights and responsibilities, and the criminal justice system as a whole. Remember, you are not required to speak to anyone else about your involvement in the case. Before your appearance, try to visualize what happened so you will be able to answer questions confidently. Your job is to tell the truth.

As a witness, your responsibility is to appear in court as directed and state the facts truthfully and accurately as you remember them. Your role is essential to our system of justice. All subpoenaed witnesses have information about the crime. Even small pieces of information can be critical in determining what actually happened and, ultimately, the outcome of the case.