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Columns Written by Prosecutor Bahrman

VICTIM INFORMATION

Misdemeanor Victim Impact Statement

Felony Victim Impact Statement

Your rights as a victim

• You have the right to be treated fairly – with dignity and privacy
• You have the right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.
• You have the right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
• You have the right to notification of court proceedings.
• You have the right to attend all court hearings that the accused has the right to attend.
• You have the right to confer with the Prosecuting Attorney and her staff regarding the status of this case.
• You have the right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.

• You are sworn to tell the truth. Honesty is the best policy. Do not stop to decide if your answer will help or hurt your side. Do not exaggerate.
• Dress appropriately. Semi-formal dress (khakis and a dress shirt) are appropriate. Do not wear tight fitting or revealing clothing.
• Avoid distracting mannerisms such as chewing gum, covering your face, swiveling back in forth in your chair.
• Don’t try to memorize what you are going to say.
• Avoid laughing and talking about the case in the presence of the jury or anywhere in the courthouse where you may be observed.
• Stick to the Facts – the judge wants to hear only the facts as you know them to be, not what someone else told you.
• Relax, speak clearly – you have nothing to fear when giving true answers. When you are asked questions, give the judge your answer as clearly as possible.
• If a lawyer objects to a question do not speak until the judge tells you to. Do not volunteer additional information.
• The microphone does not amplify it is strictly for the court recorder.
• Always be courteous even if the lawyer questioning you may appear discourteous. Don’t be a cocky witness. This will lose you the respect of the judge and the jury. Do not lose your temper.
• Do not nod your head for a “yes” or “no” answer. You must verbalize your answer so that the court recorder can record it.
• If you do not understand a question ask the lawyer to repeat or clarify it.
• When leaving the witness stand wear a confident expression but do not smile or appear downcast.