The Victim Witness Assistance Unit
PROGRAM SERVICES WE OFFER * OTHER RESOURCES
- Canine Companions for Court
The Office of the Carroll County State's Attorney employs a therapy dog at assist victims throughout the criminal justice process. When the victim of a sensitive, emotionally-charged case (i.e., child abuse, sexual assault, homicide, manslaughter...) meets with the prosecutor to prepare for trial, the therapy dog may be present to ease their stress, provide unconditional love, and emotional comfort. He can engender trust that an adult can't. The therapy dog is also available to the Carroll County Advocacy and Investigation Center to assist with forensic interviews when necessary. In the future, when the need arises, we anticipate that he may accompany child victims into the courtroom to help them feel more comfortable in court.
- Explanation of the Court Process.
As a victim or a witness of a crime, you automatically become involved in a system that can sometimes be intimidating and confusing. The Victim Witness Assistance Unit (VWAU) will be here to explain court procedures to you, and answer any questions that you may have regarding your case. We will follow your case through to final disposition and inform you of that decision.
- Victim Impact Statement.
According to Maryland Law, a victim is entitled to provide the judge or jury before sentencing with a statement describing how the crime has affected his or her life. Once completed and returned to us, the Victim Witness Unit will make sure it becomes part of the court file.
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides compensation for victims of violent crimes, or their dependents who have suffered out-of-pocket losses for medical and other related services due to physical injury, loss of income, or death. If you are eligible, the VWAU staff will provide you with the forms and assist you in filing a claim.
- Provide Information on the Guidelines for the Treatment of Crime Victims and Witnesses (Article 11 Annotated Code of Maryland).
These guidelines prescribe the ways in which victims and witnesses of crime should be treated and helped.
- Restitution.
This office will be asking for information regarding your injuries, and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you as a result of this offense. This information will be made accessible to the judge, and where appropriate, the court may order the defendant to reimburse you for your losses as part of the sentence.
- Property Return.
This office will assist with the return of property held in evidence by the police or the court. When possible, we will ask for prompt property return soon after a defendant is charged.
- Social Service Referrals.
Our office works with a number of social service and private, non profit agencies which can provide to you services such as counseling, emergency assistance and housing. If such a need should arise, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
- Transportation.
If you require help arranging transportation in order to attend court as a State's witness, the VWAU will assist you. We must know of your need at least two weeks in advance of your court appearance.
- Employer Intercession.
Coming to court to testify as a State's witness is both a civic duty and a legal obligation. If your employer needs any assistance from us regarding your status as a State's witness, please let us know.
- Initial Appearance.
Once an offender is arrested, he/she goes before a District Court Commissioner who will determine if the defendant will be held on a bond, no bond or released pending trial. If a defendant is released, he/she is usually ordered to have no contact with the victim(s). If contact should occur, it should be reported immediately to the police, and the VWAU. The victim is not required to appear at this hearing.
- Preliminary Hearing.
Between thirty to sixty days after the defendant's initial appearance, a preliminary hearing is held in District Court to determine whether there is sufficient evidence (probable cause) to believe a felony was committed and that the defendant committed the crime. If probable cause is found, the case will be sent to the Circuit Court for trial. Usually only the officer is needed to testify at this hearing.
- Charges in Circuit Court.
After the Preliminary Hearing, the State's Attorney's Office has 30 days to file an "Information" (the charges) with the Clerk's Office.
- Initial Appearance in Circuit Court.
Once the Information is filed, the defendant is brought into court and advised by the judge of the charges against him/her and of the right to have a lawyer. If an attorney has already entered his/her appearance on behalf of the defendant, this hearing will not occur. The victim need not be present for this hearing.
- Trial in Circuit Court.
Once the defendant has had an initial appearance in Circuit Court, the court then has 180 days in which to schedule a trial date for the case. It is at this point that the victims and witnesses will be summonsed to testify before a judge as to what happened in their case. The defendant will be present throughout this proceeding.
- Sentencing.
If the defendant is found guilty, the judge has the option of sentencing immediately after the conviction, or the court may order a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI). A PSI is a background investigation of the defendant that is done through the Department of Parole and Probation and is usually completed within 6-8 weeks after the trial. If a PSI is ordered, a separate sentencing date will be announced and the victim will be notified.
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