Victim / Witness Program

The Shenandoah County Victim/Witness Program is here to assist in making this experience easier and assure that victims and witnesses are treated fairly and with compassion, while participating in the criminal justice system. 

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...

  • your rights as a victim/witness of a crime
  • the criminal justice process and your role as a victim/witness
  • protective orders and other forms of protection
  • how to obtain a warrant if one has not been issued
  • financial assistance, including the Virginia Victims Fund and restitution
  • address and telephone confidentiality
  • availability of separate waiting areas during court proceedings

Notification of...

  • changes in court dates
  • significant developments in a case such as possible plea offers
  • bond hearings/ victim notification forms 
  • opportunity to prepare a written Victim Impact Statement prior to sentencing of a defendant

Assistance with...

  • obtaining a protective order and other forms of protection
  • filling out forms for the Virginia Victims Fund and/or restitution
  • referrals to local resources 
  • understanding a defendant's bond conditions
  • 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 regarding your testimony, call your local police department immediately and notify the Victim/Witness Program at 540-459-6217.

If you are subpoenaed...

We can help you with understanding the requirements of a subpoena and testifying in court; interceding with your employer if you are having difficulty taking off work to attend court. 

Tips on Testifying

  1. Be Prepared. 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. If you don't remember the answer to a question, say you don’t remember. If you give an estimate of time or distance, be sure everyone knows you're estimating.
  5. Tell The Truth. Don’t give the answer you think they are asking for, just what you remember on your own. 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 (something you might wear to a special occasion or church). It is often cold in the courtrooms so you may want to bring a sweater with you.

The Shenandoah County Victim/Witness Program does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age (or any other basis you wish to include), or on the basis of sex in any services.