An Informational Guide for Victims and Witnesses of Crime

Call the Victim Witness Program if you have questions about:

This Code Section provides for certain victims and witnesses to be provided information on:

• Victim and Witness Protection: under certain circumstances, witnesses and victims may request that their personal information remain confidential.
• Financial Assistance
• Notices
• Courtroom Assistance
• Victim Input
• Plea Agreement Notification {As of July 2023} – Requires the Commonwealth to consult with a crime victim in a felony case to inform the victim of the contents of a proposed plea agreement and obtain the victim’s views about the disposition of the case.Also, the victim shall be notified of any proceedings in which the plea agreement6 will be tendered to the court.The court shall not accept the plea agreement unless it finds that, except for good cause shown, the Commonwealth has complied.

Tips for Testifying / Court Hearings

• Tell the TRUTH!
• Do not memorize what you are going to say.
• Dress appropriately (No shorts, denim, or tank tops)
• Listen carefully to the questions.
• Speak clearly.
• Be polite (example: “yes sir”)
• No Gum and/or Candy
• Be On Time – DO NOT ARRIVE LATE FOR COURT!

Important Numbers to Remember!

  Emergency                                                        Dial 911

Commonwealth’s Attorney                   (540) 665-6383

Sheriff’s Office                                     (540) 662-6162

The Laurel Center                                  (540) 667-6466

Adult Probation Office                          (540) 722-3404

Juvenile & Domestic Court                    (540) 667-5770
Courtroom 2-A, 2^nd Floor

General District Court                            (540) 722-7208
Courtroom 2-D, 2^nd Floor

Circuit Court                                           (540) 667-5770
Courtroom 3-A, 3^rd Floor