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A V1e1tc1A The Prosecutor's Office serves the community by pursuing justice with integrity and commitment. Vulnerable victims, especially the young and elderly, should have their voices heard. Although we cannot guarantee the outcome in your criminal case, our VictimAMtness Assistance Unit can support you through the experience and give you case updates. We are here to help and want to serve you with Aloha. Charlene Y. Iboshi Prosecuting Attorney THE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT CAN HELP YOU WITH: • Information about the criminal case and judicial process • Support during court appearances • Referrals to community resources • Employer intercession • Preparing your Victim Impact Statement • Notification of a defendant's status • Crisis counseling • Property return and restitution • Crime victim compensation information WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE COURT SYSTEM: As a victim or witness of crime, your participation is very important to the judicial system. When a criminal case is being prepared for a court hearing or trial, staff from the Prosecuting Attorney's Office may need to discuss the matter with you. Therefore it is important to keep us informed of any change to your address or phone number, or if you will be out of town for an extended period of time. We will let you know when you need to be in court but it's always best to call our office to confirm when and where you will be needed. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS What's in it for me? You will know that you have helped to make your community safer. In our country, every person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. To protect this right, we have a system with many painstaking steps and this system depends on the patience and commitment of citizens like you to make it work. We hope to share with you the satisfaction of a fair and successful outcome. What happens if there are no charges? Even if a suspect is not identified or charges cannot be filed, it is important to maintain contact with authorities. Your property may be recovered, or the police may obtain additional evidence. If you have any further information about your case, be sure to contact the investigating officer. May I drop charges if I do not want to testify? No. Your concerns will be taken into consideration, but the ultimate decision whether a case is charged is the responsibility of the deputy prosecutor assigned to the case. Do I have to hire my own attorney? No. All criminal cases are handled by the Prosecutor's Office on behalf of the State and its people at no cost to you. You may want to hire an attorney if you choose to pursue a civil case. Is it okay to talk about the case? Discussing the facts of the case with other victims or witnesses is not a good idea because it may confuse you or them. As the case progresses through the system, you may be contacted by Prosecutor's Office staff for additional details or the defense attorney may want an interview. It is your choice to speak to either side, but be sure you know who is asking for the information and how it will be used. What about my medical bills? If you are injured as a result of a crime, you may be eligible for compensation from the Crime Victim Compensation Commission. Restitution is also a possibility but the bottom line is that you are responsible for your bills. Contact the VictimM/itness Assistance Unit for more information. What is restitution? When a defendant has been convicted or has pled guilty, the Court can order the defendant to pay restitution for crime related losses such as property damage, unrecovered property, medical or psychological expenses, and burial expenses if there is documentation. It is important to keep receipts, bills, estimates for repairs, etc. in a safe place until needed for the case. Please understand that even if restitution is ordered, there is no guarantee of payment from the defendant. When will my property be returned? If your property is needed to prosecute the case, it can be released after the case is concluded (30 days after sentencing or after any appeals). The VictimM/itness Assistance Unit can help with the return of your property. Do I have to appear if I am subpoenaed? YES. A subpoena is a Court Order to appear at the time and place written on the subpoena. After receiving the subpoena, call the Prosecutor's Office and ask for the deputy prosecutor or staff assigned to the case. Keep in mind that it is appropriate for the deputy to discuss the case with you before going to court. What happens when I go to the courthouse? Call the Prosecutor's Office a few days before the court date to make sure that the hearing is still scheduled. Once you get there, wait outside the courtroom until it is time for you to testify. Bring the subpoena with you as a reminder of when and where you need to appear, and to help process your witness fees. What happens in the courtroom? As a witness for the State, you will be questioned by the deputy prosecutor then cross examined (asked additional questions) by the defense attorney. The questioning is not meant as a personal attack but to ensure that all sides of the case are heard and to establish the truth. The judge is there to help if you don't understand the question and to see that you are treated respectfully. After completing your testimony, you will be asked to leave the courtroom. Please wait outside until excused by Prosecutor's Office staff because you may need to be called back into court for other questions.