Phone: 434-970-3176

Located in the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
Room 331
City Hall
605 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Maggie Cullinan, Director

Julianne Koch,, Assistant Director

Vacant, Program Assistant

MISSION

The Charlottesville Victim/Witness Assistance Program is designed to ensure that victims and witnesses of criminal offenses will receive fair and compassionate treatment throughout the judicial process.

CRIME VICTIM AND WITNESS RIGHTS:

As a victim or witness of crime, you have certain rights under Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.  As a victim of a crime, you may be entitled to:

Information about:

• protection
• financial assistance and social services, including the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
• address and telephone confidentiality
• separate waiting area during court proceedings

Notification of:

• changes in court dates
• changes in the status of the defendant, if he/she is being held in jail
• opportunity to prepare a written Victim Impact Statement prior to sentencing of a defendant

Assistance with:

• obtaining protection
• receiving intercession services with your employer
• receiving the services of an interpreter

Threatening a victim or a witness is a crime in Virginia.  If you are threatened by the defendant or anyone else in regard to your testimony, call your local police department immediately and notify the Victim/Witness Program at (434) 970-3176.

If you are subpoenaed, we can help you with understanding:

The requirements of a subpoena and testifying in court

Tips on Testifying

1. Be Prepared. Try to recall what happened and picture the scene and the objects there. Don't try to memorize your testimony; simply tell what happened in your own words.
2. Speak Clearly and Loudly. If you did not hear the question or understand it, ask the attorney to repeat it.
3. Answer Only the Question Asked of You. Stop immediately if the judge interrupts or an attorney objects to a question.
4. Do Not Guess or Speculate. If you don't know the answer, say so. If you give an estimate of time or distance, be sure everyone knows you're estimating.
5. Tell The Truth. Don't pause to try and figure out if your answer will hurt or help the case. Just answer to the best of your recollection.
6. Be Courteous. Try to remain calm and do not lose your temper. Always be polite.
7. Dress For Court. Dress comfortably and appropriately (shorts, t-shirts are not good choices however, it is not necessary to dress in a suit). It is often cold in the courtrooms so you may want to bring a sweater with you.

If you are a victim of Stalking or Domestic Violence, we can help you with:

Understanding how to obtain a warrant, if one has not been issued

Understanding a defendant's bond conditions

The information you need to petition the Court for a protective order

Directions to location of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Understanding the Criminal Justice System and your role

Links to Resources

SARA

Shelter For Help In Emergency

Virginia Action Alliance

Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund

Children Youth and Family Services