Tag: being a witness
Q.
How do I get help if I have to be a witness?
A.
You should receive information from the Victim Information and Advice service, based at the Fiscal’s office, who will keep you informed about what is happening about prosecuting the case.
Victim Information and Advice (VIA) can be contacted via your local Fiscal’s office, or on their national number 0844 561 3701.
If you need practical and emotional support before, during or after attending court as a witness, ask Victim Information and Advice about the Witness Service.
The Witness Service exists to help people through the judicial process. The service is provided by Victim Support Scotland.
If you want to speak to someone before you come to court you can find your local witness service at www.victimsupportsco.org.uk or call the Victim Supportline: 0845 30 30 900
If the offender was under 16, you can contact Victims of Youth Crime (VOYCE) contact@victimsupportvoyce.org.uk or phone 01382 305 735.
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Q.
What if I need to give evidence?
A.
If you are needed to give evidence in court as a witness for the prosecution, you will be sent a letter from the Procurator Fiscal. If you are unable to attend court, you must inform the Fiscal immediately.
If you have a concern about your personal privacy, you should inform the Fiscal as early as possible. Court hearings are held in public, but the Fiscal can ask the judge or sheriff who hears the case for special measures to protect your privacy.
If someone is charged with the crime and you are worried about them being released on bail, you should tell the police officer you are dealing with, or the Procurator Fiscal, or your solicitor, about any concerns as soon as possible.
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Q.
I don't want to have to give evidence in public.
A.
If you are needed to give evidence in court as a witness for the prosecution, you will be sent a letter from the Procurator Fiscal. If you are unable to attend court, you must inform the Fiscal immediately.
If you have a concern about your personal privacy, you should inform the Fiscal as early as possible. Court hearings are held in public, but the Fiscal can ask the judge or sheriff who hears the case for special measures to protect your privacy.
If someone is charged with the crime and you are worried about them being released on bail, you should tell the police officer you are dealing with, or the Procurator Fiscal, or your solicitor, about any concerns as soon as possible.
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Q.
I'm afraid to give evidence - they'll just let the person who did it out on bail
A.
If you are needed to give evidence in court as a witness for the prosecution, you will be sent a letter from the Procurator Fiscal. If you are unable to attend court, you must inform the Fiscal immediately.
If you have a concern about your personal privacy, you should inform the Fiscal as early as possible. Court hearings are held in public, but the Fiscal can ask the judge or sheriff who hears the case for special measures to protect your privacy.
If someone is charged with the crime and you are worried about them being released on bail, you should tell the police officer you are dealing with, or the Procurator Fiscal, or your solicitor, about any concerns as soon as possible.
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Q.
What happens if the crime I reported goes to court?
A.
If the police think there is enough information to take a case to court, they will report the case to the Procurator Fiscal. Once a case has gone to the Fiscal it is no longer the responsibility of the police: all they can tell you is that they have sent to the Fiscal and ask you to contact the Fiscal for further information.
The Procurator Fiscal will decide whether to prosecute the person accused of the crime. If you want to get in touch with your local Fiscal, call 0131 226 2626 to get their details or look them up on www.copfs.gov.uk.
If the crime was committed by someone under 18, the case may have been referred to the Scottish Children's Reporter (SCRA) and may be dealt with at a Children’s Hearing. Victims and witnesses do not attend a Children’s Hearing, as confidential information about the child’s family will be discussed. You can find out more at www.scra.gov.uk
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