The criminal justice system depends in large part upon the willing participation of victims and witnesses who may have experienced an emotional trauma, physical injury, or perhaps even a financial loss. Court proceedings may, at times, seem impersonal or confusing.

To help you understand your rights as a victim of crime and the services available to you, we have prepared this information. Please do not hesitate to contact this office at any time for additional information and available resources.

Once you have reported a crime to a police officer and the case has been referred to the County Attorney’s Office, the report is reviewed by the County Attorney. If the suspect is identified and sufficient evidence exists, the case will proceed to the courts. There are several steps involved in the criminal justice system.

Once charges are filed, you cannot dismiss them. However, your input is important. If a police officer has probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, the officer shall make an arrest. It’s the law. As the victim, you do not sign the complaint against the offender. The County Attorney as a representative for the State of Kansas signs the complaint. Therefore, you will be considered a witness for the state. 

A person who has information about a crime, has witnessed a crime or has become a victim of a crime may be subpoenaed to give testimony in court hearings. A subpoena is an order by the court to appear and give testimony under oath about a specific case. The date and time to appear is printed on the subpoena.

Court hearings sometimes have to be rescheduled after subpoenas have been issued and served. If you have received a subpoena, it is wise to contact our office so that we may advise you on any changes or delays. Failure to respond to a subpoena or failure to attend a trial or hearing may result in the court issuing a warrant for the arrest of the subpoenaed witness.