Being a witness to a crime can be unsettling, and it is normal to feel unsure about what comes next. We want to make sure you can feel more informed about what you might experience.
If you have witnessed a crime, you may be asked to share what you saw or heard as part of an investigation. The criminal justice system can involve several stages. The steps below give you a clear overview of what usually happens, from giving a statement to what might happen in court.
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Step 1 :
If you:
- witness a crime happening
- decide to report it to the police
You should then receive a crime reference number and contact details.
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Step 2 :
The police may ask you to give a witness statement, after you have submitted your report.
You will have two options at this point:
- you can give the witness statement as requested. As part of this, the police will assess your needs and give you any extra support you might require
- you can decide not to give a statement. However, you should be aware you may still need to give evidence later on
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Step 3 :
When the initial investigation has concluded, you will be told the outcome.
Either, the suspect will be charged and the case will go to court, or the police may decide not to progress the case. This may be because there is not enough evidence, or because the evidence available is not of sufficient quality.
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Step 4 :
As your Victim and Witness Care service, we will assess your needs. You will receive support from them before the trial.
You will be given the opportunity to check your witness statement before the trial by the CPS, and then you will give evidence on the day of the trial. You can get extra support known as ‘special measures’ to help you with this, if you need it.
You can expect to be questioned by the defence lawyer. This is to ensure the defendant is given a fair trial.
We will tell you the verdict and the sentence once the trial has concluded, and you will be told if the offender appeals their sentence.
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