A Victim's Guide to the D.C. Criminal Justice. System MENU TITLE: Guide to D.C. Criminal Justice System Series: NIJ Published: October 1991 19 pages 32,938 bytes Table of Contents The D.C. Criminal Justice System Arrest Papering Felony Presentment/Misdemeanor Arraignment Preliminary Hearing Grand Jury Felony Arraignment Status Hearings Witness Conferences Trial Testifying Sentencing Hearing Services Available At the U.S. Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Assistance Unit Cafeteria Witness Waiting Rooms (Prosecution) Services Available At the D.C. Courthouse Public Information Desk Pretrial Services Agency Child Care Center Cafeteria Witness Waiting Rooms Your Rights As A Victim Or Witness Victim Impact Statements Victim Compensation Property Return Freedom From Intimidation The Defense Attorney Witness Fees Programs Available To Victims and Witnesses Crime Victims Compensation Program Crime Victims Assistance Program U.S. Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Assistance U.S. Capitol Police Victim/Witness Assistance D.C. Rape Crisis Center National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) Citizens' Complaint Center Glossary of Terms Getting To Court Building Locations Case Diary ------------------------------ The D.C. Criminal Justice System The criminal justice system consists of everything that happens from the time a crime is reported through the time served by the person convicted of committing the crime. Not all crimes result in arrest. Not all arrested people are convicted and sentenced. Some of the reasons cases drop out of the system or never enter the system are: o the crime is not reported; o victims or witnesses refuse to testify; o evidence cannot be used because it was illegally obtained; o there is not enough evidence to convict; or o the accused is declared not guilty. The next few pages describe the process that both the accused and the victim go through if the accused is arrested and properly processed. Information specifically for victims and witnesses is written in capital letters. Much of this information does not apply directly to victims or witnesses of crimes committed by juveniles. 1. Arrest - After the police, usually the Metropolitan Police Department, have determined that a crime has been committed, a suspect must be identified and caught for the case to proceed through the system. Sometimes a suspect is caught at the scene of the crime; however, identification of a suspect may require a long investigation. Sometimes, unfortunately, no one is identified or caught. A division detective, not the responding officer, will be assigned to investigate the case. Once arrested, the accused, if charged with a felony, is either held in jail until the trial, released on bail, or released by a judge under some form of pre-trial release agreement. If the accused is charged with a misdemeanor, he/she is usually released on personal recognizance because the judge believes that the accused will appear at his/her trial. IF YOU WITNESS A CRIME OR IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A CRIME, PLEASE REPORT THE CRIME TO THE POLICE. WITHOUT YOUR HELP, THE ACCUSED MAY GO FREE. WHEN YOU TALK TO THE POLICE, GET THE NAME AND PHONE NUMBERS OF THE POLICE OFFICERS AND WRITE THE INFORMATION IN THE BACK OF THIS BOOKLET. 2. Papering - Within 24 hours after a person has been arrested, the police present information about the crime and about the accused to the prosecutor's office. In D.C., the Office of the Corporation Counsel prosecutes juvenile cases, traffic cases, and some misdemeanor cases committed by adults. The United States Attorney's Office handles the prosecution of all other criminal cases. The prosecutor's office will decide if charges will be filed with the court. If the prosecutor does not file charges, the accused must be released. IF YOU HAVE REPORTED TO THE POLICE THAT YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A SERIOUS CRIME SUCH AS SEXUAL ASSAULT OR YOU ARE THE RELATIVE OR CLOSE FRIEND OF A MURDER VICTIM, YOU MAY BE CONTACTED BY THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT. COUNSELORS WILL EXPLAIN THE COURT PROCESS AND WILL ASSIST YOU IF YOU WANT HELP. (Victims and witnesses of any crime may contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit. See Services Available at the U.S. Attorney's Office). 3. Felony Presentment/Misdemeanor Arraignment - This is the first time the accused appears in the D.C. Superior Court. At this hearing the judge informs the accused of the charges and decides whether or not to keep the accused in jail until the trial. Pre-trial detention can be ordered by the judge if the accused committed a serious offense and is believed to be dangerous to the community. The judge may decide to release the accused on a written promise of the accused to show up at the trial or after the accused has paid bail. Defense counsel, either from the Public Defender Service or through the Criminal Justice Act (CJA), is appointed if the accused cannot afford to hire an attorney. In felony cases the judge will set a date for a preliminary hearing. In misdemeanor cases the judge will set a date for the trial. Please keep in mind that if hearings and trials are scheduled by the court, you may be required to attend. Frequently, court hearings do not take place on schedule and are postponed to a new date or time. These delays are frustrating, but often cannot be helped. If there are changes, you will be notified by the prosecutor's office. VICTIMS AND WITNESS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS HEARING AND MIGHT BE ASKED NOT TO ATTEND BECAUSE THE ACCUSED MAY NOT BE PROPERLY IDENTIFIED YET. 4. Preliminary Hearing - Within 3 to 20 days after an arrest, the judge determines from the evidence presented by the prosecutor if there is reason to believe (probable cause) that the accused committed the crime. If the judge does not find probable cause, the case is dismissed; however, if the judge finds probable cause or if the accused gives up his/her right to a preliminary hearing, the case is sent to a grand jury. AS A VICTIM OR WITNESS YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE PRELIMINARY HEARING. THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY WILL CONTACT YOU TO LET YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD ATTEND. 5. Grand Jury - Usually within 30 days after an arrest, the grand jury hears evidence against the accused presented by the prosecutor. The grand jury decides whether the evidence against the accused is enough to warrant a trial. If so, the grand jury issues an indictment (a written statement of the evidence against the accused) to the court. VICTIMS AND WITNESSES MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE GRAND JURY HEARING. IF YOU ARE NEEDED TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE GRAND JURY, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SUBPOENA (AN OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ATTEND) LISTING THE TIME, DATE, AND PLACE OF THE HEARING. BE SURE TO MEET WITH THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY SO YOU CAN REVIEW YOUR TESTIMONY. 6. Felony Arraignment - Usually 3 to 4 months after an arrest, the accused is informed of the charges against him/her, advised of his/her constitutional rights, and asked to enter a plea to the charges. Sometimes, a plea of guilty is made at this hearing. Such a plea is the result of negotiations between the prosecutor and the accused. The defendant enters a guilty plea with the expectation of receiving reduced charges or a lenient sentence. This practice is called plea bargaining. If the accused pleads guilty, the judge may accept or reject the plea. If the plea is accepted, no trial is held and the offender is sentenced at this hearing or at a later date. VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND ARRAIGNMENT HEARINGS. IF YOU ARE PRESENT AT THE HEARINGS, YOU WOULD NOT BE ASKED OR ALLOWED TO TESTIFY. 7. Status Hearings - If the accused has entered a plea of not guilty, the judge will hold one or several status hearings to make sure that both the prosecution and defense are ready for trial. VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND STATUS HEARINGS. 8. Witness Conferences - These meetings are set up by the prosecutor's office to review the case and discuss your testimony. Witness conferences, including victims as witnesses, might occur during all the stages leading up to the trial and sentencing hearing. THE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE MAY CONTACT YOU ABOUT THESE MEETINGS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A VICTIM IN A SERIOUS FELONY CASE. YOU SHOULD ATTEND ALL MEETINGS SET UP BY THE PROSECUTOR. 9. Trial - If a felony defendant pleads not guilty, a trial takes place and a judge or jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. A person accused of a serious crime is guaranteed a trial by jury; however, the accused may ask for a trial before a judge without a jury. In both instances the prosecution and defense present evidence and question witnesses, and the judge decides issues of law. The trial ends when the judge or jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. If the defendant is not guilty, he/she is acquitted and is free to go. If the defendant is found guilty, he/she may be detained and a date for the sentencing hearing is set. VICTIMS AND WITNESSES WILL BE NOTIFIED BY THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE OF THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF THE TRIAL. YOU WILL ALSO BE TOLD WHETHER YOU WILL BE TESTIFYING OR NOT. IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TESTIFY, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SUBPOENA. ON THE DAY OF THE TRIAL, REPORT TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. Testifying When you are preparing to testify, please consider the following: o Always tell the truth. o Think before you speak. Take your time. Make sure you understand the question you are asked before you answer. o Do not guess at answers or offer your opinion unless the judge asks you to do so. If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say that you do not know. o Do not memorize your answers. o Speak up loudly enough for everyone in the courtroom to hear you. o Always remain calm. Try not to become upset even if one of the attorneys makes you angry or hurts your feelings. o Listen to the judge. If one of the attorneys makes an objection, stop testifying until the judge tells you to continue. o If you are confused or have a question, ask the judge for help. 10. Sentencing Hearing - After a guilty verdict or guilty plea, the judge will sentence the defendant. A sentencing hearing may be held to discuss the circumstances surrounding a convicted person's criminal behavior. Before the sentencing hearing the judge will usually receive a presentence report from the Social Services Division of the Court. This report gives the judge a lot of information about the defendant. In serious felony cases one of the important parts of this report is the Victim Impact Statement. VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE SENTENCING HEARING, BUT MAY IF YOU WOULD LIKE. VICTIMS OF A VIOLENT CRIME HAVE THE RIGHT TO COMPLETE A FORM CALLED THE VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT. IMPACT STATEMENTS GIVE CRIME VICTIMS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DESCRIBE HOW THE CRIME AFFECTED YOUR LIFE SO THE JUDGE UNDERSTANDS HOW SERIOUS THE CRIME REALLY WAS. IF YOU NEED HELP COMPLETING THE VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT, CONTACT THE SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF THE D.C. SUPERIOR COURT OR THE VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. ------------------------------ Services Available at the United States Attorney's Office United States Attorney's Office Judiciary Center Building 555 4th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 202-514-2000 Victim/Witness Assistance Unit The Victim/Witness Assistance Unit, (202-514-7130) or if using TTY (202-514-0487), is located in Suite 3633. The Unit will help you while you are involved in the criminal justice system. Counselors will help you with crime-related problems, assist with protection or relocation, provide court escorts if needed, assist out-of-town witnesses with travel and hotel reservations, provide information on court proceedings and the status of the case, assist with the prompt return of property, and assist with the processing of victim compensation claims in conjunction with the Crime Victims Compensation Program. Cafeteria A cafeteria called Randolph's Emporia is located on the 1st floor of the United States Attorney's Office. It is open from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Breakfast is served from 7:30 am to 9:30 am; morning snack is served between 9:30 am to 11:00 am; lunch is served from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; and afternoon snack is served from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Witness Waiting Rooms (Prosecution) Waiting areas for victims or witnesses for the prosecution are located on floors 1-5 of the United States Attorney's Office in the Judiciary Center Building. The Assistant United States Attorney who is handling your case will tell you when and where to report. You will need to check-in with the security guard on the 1st floor of the Judiciary Center building. The building is secured, so be sure to bring an I.D. card. Please check-in with the receptionist on the floor where the prosecuting attorney asked you to wait. You may want to bring a book, newspaper, or magazine to read while you are waiting. ------------------------------ Services Available at the D.C. Courthouse Superior Court of the District of Columbia District of Columbia Courthouse 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 202-879-1010 202-879-1656 (TTY) Publication Information Desk The Public Information Desk (202-879-1010) is located on the left side of the Indiana Avenue entrance. If you need to find out when and where a trial is being held or directions to a courtroom, ask one of the clerks. If no one there can help you, go to the Criminal Information Center (202-879-1374), or if using TTY (202-727-6744), in Room 4003. Pretrial Services Agency The Pretrial Services Agency (202-727-2800) is located in Room C225. This office will provide you with information about the case before it is brought to trial. If you want information about someone arrested the night before, call this phone number (202-727-2940). Child Care Center If you are scheduled to appear in the D.C. Superior Court and have children in need of care, there is a Child Care Center available in Room 4201 of the D.C. Courthouse (202-879-1759). Only children who are toilet trained and between the ages of 2 years and 14 years will be accepted. There is no charge, but you must bring a lunch for your child and you must remain in the Courthouse while your child is in the Center. The Center is open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Cafeteria A cafeteria is located on the C Street level of the D.C. Courthouse (202-393-6080). It is open from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm year round. Breakfast is served between 7:00 am and 10:30 am; lunch is served between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm; and coffee and snacks may be purchased at any time during open hours. Witness Waiting Rooms Much of the time that you spend at the D.C. Courthouse will be spent waiting. There are separate waiting facilities available for witnesses for the defense (Room 1240) and witnesses for the prosecution (Room 1210). You may want to bring a book, newspaper, or magazine to occupy your time while you are waiting. ------------------------------ Your Rights As a Victim or Witness Victim Impact Statement (VIS) The "Victim Rights Amendment Act of 1988" allows the victims of violent crimes to file a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) with the sentencing judge if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty. A VIS permits you to describe any physical, financial, psychological, and/or emotional injuries that occurred as a direct result of the crime. The VIS is read by a probation officer, the sentencing judge, the prosecutor, and the defense counsel. Your statements will be used to help the judge in sentencing the defendant. Victim Compensation The "Victims of Violent Crimes Compensation Act of 1981" (D.C. Law 4-100) provides that compensation benefits, not over $25,000, may be awarded to innocent victims of crime (or survivors of victims of crime) who suffer economic losses as a direct result of violent crimes. You are not eligible for compensation if you committed or helped commit the crime; if you were involved in any illegal activity at the time of the crime; or if you do not cooperate with law enforcement officials. Please turn to "Programs Available to Victims and Witness" for information about the D.C. Crime Victims Compensation Program and what you need to do to receive compensation. Property Return Any property recovered by the police that is not being held as evidence in the case may be returned to the owner before the trial once the police department's Property Clerk has determined who the lawful owner is. Property that is being used as evidence in a trial will usually need to be held until the end of the trial. Any contraband (weapons or illegally gained money or property) will not be returned. If your property is being held as evidence and you need it back, contact the prosecuting attorney or the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit of the United States Attorney's Office for help in recovering your property. Sometimes arrangements can be made for early release of property. Freedom From Intimidation It is a serious criminal offense to threaten, intimidate, or harass a victim or witness in a criminal proceeding (D.C. Law 4-164). If at any time you believe you or your family are in immediate danger, call the police (911). After you call the police, be sure to tell the prosecuting attorney or the victim advocate for your case what happened. You may be able to get a court order from a judge that will say the judge knows the defendant is bothering you and the defendant should stay away. The Defense Attorney During the investigation phase of a criminal case, you may be contacted by the defense attorney or by an investigator working on behalf of the defendant (there are no investigators for the court). It is your choice whether you talk to them or not. You DO NOT have to speak to the defense attorney. Ask him or her to get the information from the prosecutor's office. If you choose to speak with the defense attorney, tell the truth. What you say may be used to challenge your testimony during the trial. Be sure to get a copy of the interview and read it carefully before signing it. Inform the prosecuting attorney about the interview. Witness Fees By law, all victims and witnesses are paid for time spent in court. You will be paid $40 for every full day in court and $20 for every half day in court. Witnesses who are employed by the Federal government or by the D.C. government will receive, instead of the witness fee, their regular salary without being charged for annual leave from their job. Local victims and witnesses who have a signed voucher from the prosecuting attorney and proper I.D. can get emergency payment from the Criminal Finance Office (202-879-1004/5) located at the D.C. Courthouse in Room 1225. Unless it is an emergency, you will get your check by mail. Out-of-town (more than 25 miles) victims and witnesses are reimbursed for travel and hotel expenses (up to a certain amount) in addition to the daily witness fee. Out-of-town witnesses must bring their subpoena, signed by a judge, and proper I.D. to be paid. All necessary witness fee forms are available from the D.C. Superior Court, Office of Financial Operations, Budget and Accounting in Room 116 of Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W. (202-879-2845). ------------------------------ Programs Available to Victims and Witnesses Crime Victims Compensation Program Department of Employment Services 1200 Upshur Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20011 202-576-7706 The Crime Victims Compensation Program provides compensation to innocent victims of violent crimes in the District of Columbia. The Program also provides compensation for any survivor or dependent of an innocent victim of crime, any person injured trying to prevent a crime, and any person who is responsible for the support of an innocent victim of crime who suffers an economic loss as a result of that crime. Financial compensation, up to $25,000, can cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, funeral expenses, or lost job earnings. Property loss, such as items stolen in a burglary, or loss under $100, are not covered under this program. To receive compensation, you must report the crime to the Metropolitan Police Department, or other law enforcement agency, within 7 days after the crime happened. You also must file an application with the Crime Victims Compensation Program within 180 days of the crime. You can get an application from the Crime Victims Compensation Program, the Crime Victims Assistance Program, or the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit of the United States Attorney's Office. Crime Victims Assistance Program Department of Human Services Randall School Building (2nd Floor) First and I Streets, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024 202-842-8467 The Crime Victims Assistance Program provides services to any victim of violent crime in the District of Columbia. This program will help you if you need emergency housing for up to 48 hours following the crime, emergency transportation, emergency child care, individual and group counseling, and information and referral services for assistance from public or private organizations. Victim/Witness Assistance Unit United States Attorney's Office Judiciary Center Building 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Suite 3633 Washington, D.C. 20001 202-514-7130 202-514-0487 (TTY) Please refer to "Victim/Witness Assistance Unit" under "Services Available At the United States Attorney's Office" for a complete description. United States Capitol Police Victim-Witness Assistance Program 119 D Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20510-7218 202-228-CARE The United States Capitol Police (USCP) helps keep you informed about various aspects of your case and answers questions you may have during the process. USCP officers can also answer questions about victim compensation and recovery of any property that may have been stolen. Additionally, USCP can act as resource to refer you to public or private programs that provide counseling, treatment, or support to victims or witnesses of crime. D.C. Rape Crisis Center P.O. Box 21005 Washington, D.C. 20009 202-333-RAPE (hotline) 202-232-0789 (office) 202-328-1371 (TTY) The Rape Crisis Center offers free counseling (call-in or face-to-face), referrals to legal, medical and counseling facilities, information on all aspects of rape, and self-defense classes. National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) 1757 Park Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20010 202-232-NOVA NOVA offers crisis counseling and legal and social service referrals for victims of crime. Other services offered by NOVA are: a 24-hour telephone hotline; face-to-face counseling; assistance in getting information from criminal justice agencies; and emergency money, transportation, child-care, shelter, clothes, and groceries. Citizen's Complaint Center Building A, 1st Floor 515 5th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 202-724-7579 The Citizen's Complaint Center of the United States Attorney's Office helps people who have been involved in serious disputes with a neighbor, family member, or other individual, which might involve criminal conduct. If you believe you have been the victim of a crime and are unable to get help from the police, contact the Citizens' Complaint Center. ------------------------------ Glossary of Terms Accused - A person who has been charged with committing a crime but has not yet been tried. Acquittal - A decision made by a judge or jury that the accused was not proven guilty of committing the crime. Appeal - To take a case to a higher court for review or retrial. Arraignment - The initial court hearing at which the accused is brought before a judge, told the charges against him/her, and asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Arrest - To take a person suspected of committing a crime into legal custody so that he/she can be charged and tried for committing the crime. Bail/Bond - The amount of money set by a judge which allows the accused to go free until the trial. The purpose of bail is to ensure the accused shows up at court. The type of bail the accused pays is referred to as bond (see personal recognizance). Charge - An accusation made against the accused that he/she committed the crime. Continuance - A delay or postponement of a court hearing to another date or time. Conviction - A decision made by a judge or jury that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of committing the crime for which he/she was tried. Court - An agency of the judicial branch of government with constitutional authority to decide questions of law and disputes brought before it. Defendant - A person who has been charged with committing a crime and is now on trial (see accused). Defense Attorney - The lawyer for the defendant. Dismissal - A decision by a judge ending a criminal case before ordering a trial. Disposition - The final outcome of a case. Evidence - Testimony and objects presented in court by the prosecutor and the defense. Felony - A serious crime punishable by one year or more in a prison and/or a fine. Felonies include crimes such as murder, rape, burglary, and robbery. Grand Jury - A group of 23 D.C. citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether there is enough evidence to charge and try the accused. Guilty - A decision of a judge or a jury in a criminal case that the accused committed the crime he/she was charged with. Guilty Plea - A statement by the accused that he/she committed the crime. Indictment - A written accusation made by a grand jury charging a person with committing a crime. Investigation - The gathering of evidence by police and prosecutors to prove the accused committed the crime. Judge - In the District of Columbia, a person appointed by the President of the United States to preside over a court of law. Jury - A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented in court and decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. Misdemeanor - A crime that is less serious than a felony and is punishable by one year or less in jail and/or a fine. Misdemeanors include offenses such a petty theft, most traffic violations, and possession of marijuana. Mistrial - A trial that ends when the jury cannot decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty, or a legal procedure is violated. Motion - An oral or written request to the judge asking the judge to make a decision or take a specific action. Nolo Contendere - "I will not contest it." A plea to a crime that does not admit guilt, but has the same result as a guilty plea. Not Guilty Plea - A statement by the accused denying that he/she committed the crime. Offender - A person who has been convicted of a crime. Parole - The supervised release of an offender from jail or prison before the end of his/her sentence. Papering - The decision made by the prosecutor whether there is enough evidence to file charges against the accused. Perjury - A lie told while a person is under oath to tell the truth. Personal Recognizance - The written promise made by the accused to the judge that he/she will return to court when ordered to do so; a frequent form of pretrial release in criminal cases in D.C. Plea - A defendant's formal answer in court denying or admitting that he/she committed a crime. Plea Bargaining - An agreement between the prosecutor and the accused that the accused will plead guilty. Preliminary Hearing - A hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to hold the accused for a grand jury hearing. Presentence Report - A report by the Social Services Division of the D.C. Superior Court describing the past behavior, family circumstances, and personality of the accused, as well as specifics about the crime committed. This report helps the judge determine the sentence (see Victim Impact Statement). Probable Cause - The amount of proof needed by the police, the prosecutors, and the judge to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused committed it. Probation - A court sentence allowing the accused to go free under the supervision of a probation officer. Prosecutor - In a criminal case, the lawyer representing the government and the victim; in D.C., an Assistant United States Attorney or an Assistant Corporation Counsel. Public Defender - An attorney employed by the D.C. government to represent defendants who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. Restitution - An order from the judge that requires the offender to pay the victim for damaged or stolen property or medical costs. Sentence - The accused person's punishment after being convicted of a crime. Status Hearings - Court hearings to make sure that both the prosecution and defense are ready for trial. Subpoena - A written order requiring a person to appear at a certain time to give testimony about the crime. Suspect - A person who is thought to have committed a crime and is under investigation, but who has not been arrested or charged. Testimony - Statements made in court by witnesses who are under oath to tell the truth. Trial - A court proceeding before a judge or a jury at which evidence is presented to decide whether or not the accused committed the crime. Verdict - The decision of the judge or jury at the end of a trial that the accused is either guilty or not guilty of the crime. Victim - An individual against whom a crime, or an attempted crime, was committed. The family or close friend of an individual who was murdered. Victim Impact Statement - A form used by the judge at the time of sentencing that allows victims to describe the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial impact of the crime on their lives and families. Witness - A person who has seen or knows something about the crime. The victim is usually a witness too. Witness Conference - A discussion between the victim, witness and the attorney to prepare for trial. ------------------------------ Getting to Court D.C. Superior Court D.C. Courthouse 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 Metro: Judiciary Square (Red Line) Exit 4th Street/Federal & Local Courts Bus: D2 to E Street & 4th Street 44 to E Street & 4th Street any 70's bus to 7th Street & Indiana Avenue Parking Available at: 4th Street between F and G Streets 6th Street between D and E Streets F Street between 5th and 6th Streets ------------------------------ Building Locations D.C. Courthouse - 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W. C Street Level Courtroom 1, Rooms C-10 John Marshall Level Courtrooms JM-1-JM-3; JM-10-JM-16 Rooms JM-040-JM-640 Indiana Avenue Level Courtrooms 100-116 Rooms 1000-1640 2nd Level Courtrooms 200-202; 210-221 Rooms 2000-2640 3rd Level Courtrooms 301-302; 310-321 Rooms 3000-3640 4th Level Rooms 4000-4485 5th Level Courtrooms 516-519 Rooms 5000-5500 6th Level - D.C. Court of Appeals Building A - 515 5th Street, N.W. Courtrooms 46-50 Building B - 409 E Street, N.W. Building D - 451 Indiana Avenue, N.W. Courtrooms 51-53 Judiciary Center - 555 4th Street, N.W. United States Attorney's Office Municipal Center - 300 Indiana Avenue, N.W. Metropolitan Police Headquarters ------------------------------ Case Diary Offender's Name(s): Case Number: Charge(s): Crime Date: Grand Jury Date: Trial Date: Sentencing Date: Police Officer's Name: Phone: Police Detective's Name: Phone: Prosecuting Attorney's Name: Phone: Victim Advocate's Name: Phone: ------------------------------ This booklet has been prepared and updated by the Council for Court Excellence with financial support from the Public Welfare Foundation. It was published and reprinted by United States Attorney's Office. Copyright December, 1988 Reprinted October, 1991