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Lee County Victim/Witness Program
P.O. Box 177 Jonesville, VA 24263
33640 Main Street, Suite 104, 1st Floor
PHONE: 276-346-2689 or 276-346-3490
FAX: 276-346-1522
What is a Victim?
A victim is: A person who has suffered physical, psychological or economic harm as a direct result of a felony or of an assault and battery, stalking, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery or driving while intoxicated;
A parent or legal guardian of such person who is a minor
A spouse, child, parent, or legal guardian of such person who is physically
or mentally incapacitated.
The Victim/Witness Program provides the following services upon request for crime victims:
Courtroom Assistance
Criminal Justice Process Support and Explanation
Accompaniment to Court
Testimony Preparation Assistance
Tips for Testifying
Courtroom Tours
Confidentiality Forms
Interpreter Services
Financial Assistance
Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
Restitution
Referrals to Social Service or Other Agencies
Property Return
Victim Input
Commonwealth’s Attorney Liaison
Victim Impact Statement and Preparation
Parole Input for Cases Before 1995
Right to Remain in Courtroom on Specific Cases
Notifications
Case Status Information
Notice of Court Dates
Release of Inmate (Dept. of Corrections or Regional Jail)
Employer Intercession
Status of Bond
Victim Notification Forms
Notice of Appeal and Habeas Corpus
Protection
Protection Orders
Separate Waiting Room
Court Accompaniment
Safety Planning
Support Services
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Referrals
Emergency Assistance
Tips for Courtroom Appearances
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Tell the truth
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Have dates, times, places and other details clear in your mind.
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Bring photos, medical records, receipts, values of stolen property, estimates of damage to verify restitution. Please provide these to V/W prior to court date.
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Do not have your cell phone or pager turned on in the courtroom.
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Your clothing should be appropriate, clean and conservative.
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Be prepared to wait. Bring change for snack machines, and a book or other quiet activity to occupy your time and or child’s.
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Look at the Judge during your testimony. If you hear “objection” stop talking until the Judge makes a decision. If you do not know the answer, say, “I don’t know.” Do not guess. If you do not understand a question, say, “I don’t understand the question.”
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Speak loudly, clearly and concisely. Do not use slang unless you are exactly repeating language used during the crime. Answer only questions asked, and do not add to the answer.
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Your testimony should not contain your opinion unless you are asked. Do not offer a judgment about the defendant or argue with the attorney's or judge.
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