If you are a witness in the case, you can:
If you are a defendant, you can either contact your solicitor or the court directly.
Please see the link in Related Information to find court contact details.
If you have given a statement for a case, there is always the possibility that you will have to attend court as a witness. You may be called as a witness in most cases if you are the complainant or if the defence want to question you about the issues contained in your statement. On the back of the witness statement form it states that if you give a statement, you may be called to court. This should have been pointed out and explained to you prior to you signing the statement.
Whether witnesses are called to court varies from case to case. It depends on a variety of factors including the evidence presented and the issues in dispute between the prosecution and the defence in the case.
In the majority of cases, the oOfficer in the Ccase will be at the court. Victim Support can offer support and advice to victims of and witnesses to crime, see the websites in Related Information.
Whilst it is possible that the defendant will also be outside the court room at times, it does not follow that you must sit in the same area. Many courts have large communal areas and will announce each case over a tannoy so that if you wish, you can sit away from the defendant. Alternatively, speak to the court usher and tell them where you are going to be.
At most courts there will also be the Witness Service/Victim Support who will be able to provide a separate room for you if you do not want to sit in the communal area. It is perfectly understandable that you would not want to sit outside the court with the defendant in your case.
Alternatively, you can contact the Officer in the Case who may be able to make alternative arrangements for you.
For more information please see the websites in Related Information.
No, if you are a witness or a complainant in a case then you do not need a solicitor. You are simply telling the court what you saw/what happened etc. The Crown Prosecution Service prosecutes the case on behalf of the police and the defendant will have a solicitor to represent him/her but you yourself do not need any legal representation.
For more information please see the websites in related information.
No, you do not need to bring anything to court other than yourself. The officer in the case or the CPS officer should have a copy of your statement (if you made one) from which you can refresh your memory.
When you arrive at court on the day, go and find the Witness Service and/or Victim Support Service and they may be able to put your mind at rest as for many people giving evidence can be a very anxious prospect.
For more information please see the websites in related information.
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QuestionQ186: How can I find out when my case is being heard? Answer
If you are a witness in the case, you can:
If you are a defendant, you can either contact your solicitor or the court directly. Please see the link in Related Information to find court contact details. |
