What are the responsibilities of a witness to a crime?

If you are a witness to a crime you may be subpoenaed to testify if the case goes to trial. Being called to testify as a witness is a big responsibility. A witness who testifies in a criminal case plays an important role within the justice system by assisting authorities in holding offenders accountable for the crimes they perpetrate against innocent victims. The police, state attorneys, judges, and juries could not make informed decisions without the cooperation of truthful witnesses.

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1. What do I do if I just had a crime committed against me?
2. Who investigates a crime?
3. Who determines what crime to charge the defendant?
4. What is an indictment?
5. What is an arraignment?
6. Will the defendant be sentenced the same day he/she is found guilty of a violent crime?
7. What is a sentencing hearing?
8. What is a pre-sentence investigation report (PSI)?
9. What happens if the defendant is sentenced to the Department of Corrections (prison)?
10. How much actual time will a defendant serve on his incarceration sentence in the department of corrections (prison)?
11. Will the defendant be ordered to pay restitution?
12. If restitution is ordered how does it get to the victim?
13. How long does the defendant get to pay restitution?
14. What happens if restitution is not paid?
15. What is the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation Program and who is eligible?
16. Will I have to testify in court?
17. What do I do if I receive a subpoena to testify?
18. What should I do if the defense attorney or investigator contacts me?
19. What are the responsibilities of a witness to a crime?
20. How long will I be in court?
21. Can a friend or relative be in court when I testify?
22. Will the defendant be in the courtroom when I testify?