Following descriptions of the various aspects and phases of the pretrial process, the handbook discusses the roles of various criminal justice personnel; these include the police, medical examiner, prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge. The nature and role of the jury is also briefly explained. The definition of and the special procedures provided for juvenile offenders are explained, followed by guidelines for being an effective witness. Victim participation in the sentencing process is discussed in a consideration of the presentence investigation and the victim impact statement; the latter allows victims to speak directly to the judge about the physical, mental, and emotional injury they may have suffered as a result of the charged crime. Other topics explained and discussed in the handbook are sentencing/restitution, victims'/survivors' legal rights, dealing with the media, the appeal and post-conviction process, parole, civil proceedings, victim compensation, victim assistance programs, grieving and healing, and a directory of victim services.