William B. Bray
Commonwealth’s Attorney
City of Colonial Heights

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The Colonial Heights Victim/Witness Assistance Program

The Colonial Heights Victim/Witness Assistance Program’s Director is Laure Hahn.  Her office is located inside the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.  Please take time and contact Laure at (804) 520-9258 if you have any questions.  Some of the services offered, free of charge, are as follows:

• Assistance in filing a claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for reimbursement of medical bills, counseling, mileage, wage loss, etc.
   

• Advanced notice of judicial proceedings and case status information.
   

• Assistance in requesting and obtaining court ordered restitution for losses incurred as a result of the crime.
   

• Scheduling a meeting with the prosecutor assigned to your case.
   

• Escorts to court for support and courtroom explanations.
   

• Assistance in filing for a Protective Order.
   

• Notification if the defendant is released from jail.
   

• Referrals to social services, counselors, support groups, legal aid, etc.
   

• Placement in a shelter or safe house if needed.
   

• Courtroom tours before the trial date.
   

• You just need to talk to someone.

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Misdemeanor Crimes:  The defendant’s trial is held in either the General District or Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts.  All cases involving a juvenile or family/household member (whether they are victims or defendants) will be tried in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court; all other misdemeanor cases will be tried in the General District Court.  The judge listens to all of the evidence presented by both sides and decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.  If the defendant is found guilty the judge will impose a sentence. 

* Misdemeanor crimes carry a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500.00 fine.  (Examples are assault & battery, trespassing, etc.) 

Felony Crimes:  The defendant first has a preliminary hearing in either the General District or Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court.  If the judge determines that there is enough evidence to believe that a crime has been committed, he will send (“certify”) the case to the grand jury.  Once the grand jury determines that there is enough evidence to believe a crime has been committed they will “indict” the defendant and a date is set for trial in the Circuit Court.  The trial may be heard by the judge or a jury.  If the defendant is found guilty by a jury the sentence will be decided by the jury.  The judge may reduce the sentence imposed by a jury but cannot increase it.  If found guilty by the judge, normally a pre-sentence report is requested and the defendant is scheduled for sentencing at a later date.  A Victim Impact Statement may be included in the report. 

* In felony crimes a defendant may be placed in a penitentiary for a year or more depending on the type of crime.  (Examples are rape, burglary, robbery, murder, etc.)

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Legal Terms That Are Helpful To Know 

Arraignment (Pretrial) – A court proceeding in which a suspect is formally accused of a crime.

Bond Hearing – A hearing in which a judge determines whether a defendant should be released from custody pending trial.  The judge also determines the terms and conditions of release.

Commonwealth’s Attorney – (Also known as prosecutor.)  A lawyer for the Commonwealth, elected by the people, to prosecute criminal cases.

Continuance – Postponing of a case until a later date upon request by the prosecution, defense, or the court.

Defendant – Person who is charged with a crime.

Defense Counsel – Lawyer for the defendant.

Indictment – A formal written document presented by a grand jury which legally accuses a person of committing a crime.

Pre-Sentence Report – Report prepared by a probation and parole officer to help the judge in deciding a sentence.  A Victim Impact Statement may be included in the report.

Protective Order – An order issued by a judge or magistrate for the purpose of protecting a family/household member from abuse.

Restitution – Money ordered by the court to be paid to the victim by the defendant for loss incurred as a result of a crime.

Sentencing – A hearing at which a judge imposes punishment on a convicted defendant.

Subpoena/Summons – A written, legal order telling a person to be in court at a specific time and place to give testimony.

Victim Impact Statement – A written statement prepared by the victim which describes how the crime has affected them and their family.  This statement is read by the judge prior to sentencing and may be considered in deciding a sentence.

Warrant – Written, legal order authorizing a law enforcement officer to make an arrest or perform a search.

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1. Always tell the truth.  Tell exactly what you recall.  If you do not know the answer, say “I don’t know.”  DO NOT GUESS OR SPECULATE.
    

2. Be prepared. Try to recall what happened. Picture the scene and all of the objects around you.  Don’t try to memorize your testimony.
    

3. Speak clearly and loudly.  Address your answers to the judge or jury hearing the case.  If you do not hear the question ask the attorney to repeat it.
    

4. Answer only the questions asked then stop.  Don’t volunteer information.
    

5. Be polite, firm, and clear with your answers, even if the questions are hostile.
    

6. Listen carefully to the question asked.  Take time to think about your answer.  If you do not understand a question ask to have it rephrased or repeated.
    

7. Stop talking if an objection is made by an attorney or if the judge interrupts.  You will be told by the judge or attorney if you can finish your answer.
    

8. Be quiet in and around the courtroom.  Talking about the case around jurors or other witnesses may cause a mistrial.
    

9. DRESS APPROPRIATELY.  Neat, clean, conservative and comfortable clothing is suggested.
    

10. It may be helpful to reread these suggestions before your court date so you feel more comfortable in court.

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