WITNESS TO A CRIME TRIAL
WITNESS TO A CRIME FREE

If you’re unsure when to go to court, contact the person who requested you to appear.

WITNESS TO A CRIME TRIAL

When to go to courtĪ summons or subpoena should tell you the day the trial is due to start. If you’re summonsed or subpoenaed and don’t attend court, you may be found guilty of contempt of court and a warrant may be issued for your arrest. This is called a ‘summons’ if you’re needed as a witness in a Magistrates Court or a ‘subpoena’ in a District or Supreme Court. You may be legally ordered to go to court as a witness, particularly if you’re a witness for the prosecution. refer you to specialist support and counselling services.help you write a victim impact statement.arrange for you to discuss what will happen in court.keep you informed of when the case will go to court.If the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) decides to prosecute the offender, the ODPP will appoint a victim liaison officer to help you throughout the court process. If you’re a victim of crime, you may be asked to attend court as a witness for the prosecution.

WITNESS TO A CRIME FREE

PACT: A voluntary service providing free support and information to help victims and witnesses understand court processes.

Relationships Australia: Provides free support and counselling to help you recover from the emotional and psychological impact of witnessing a crime.

Victim Assist Queensland: Explains the legal process and helps you prepare for your appearance in court.

Information, support and advice are available to help you throughout the legal process: The court process can be daunting for a witness, particularly if you witness a violent crime. Support for witnesses and victims going to court If at any stage you are concerned about your safety, or that of your family or friends, contact the police immediately. If you fear for your or your family's safety, call the local police station immediately so they can take action. If you’re worried about the accused being granted bail, tell the police as it may be possible to oppose bail. If the defendant is allowed bail, the police should tell you what the conditions are. Where possible, the police should tell witnesses of any bail applications. People who are allowed bail can go free if they sign a bail undertaking to appear on further court dates and follow any conditions the court sets. Opposing bailīefore a hearing or trial, the defendant may apply for bail. It is important that you stay informed about how Queensland Courts are managing court attendance during the COVID-19 response. If you have documents relevant to the case, you may be asked to bring these with you. In either case, both the defence and prosecution lawyers may ask you questions about what you know to ensure the facts presented about the crime are correct. You may be a witness for the prosecution or the defence. You may also be asked to go to court as an expert witness, such as a doctor or engineer, to provide advice about the evidence presented. Victims of violent crime are very important witnesses.

You may be asked to attend court as a witness if you have information that can help the court come to a fair decision for example, you saw or heard something relevant to the case or were involved in some way. Queensland Civil Administration Tribunal (QCAT).Queensland Civil Administration Tribunal.

Witness to a crime