Serving the citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama

Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Care is taken with each case to help you understand what is going to take place. If you have any questions that are not answered within these pages, you should contact the Deputy District Attorney assigned to your case or the Victim-Witness Assistance Office.

• WILL I HAVE TO TESTIFY?
  It is most likely that you will have to testify in court. If you would like to meet with the Deputy District Attorney assigned to your case before court, you must contact the office as soon as you receive your subpoena to make an appointment.
• HOW LONG WILL THE PROSECUTION TAKE?
  All cases vary in how long it takes to dispose of them, but most cases will last one month to a year. However, there may be times a case will last several years.
• WILL THE DEFENDANT BE PRESENT?
  Yes. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives the accused the right to personally be present for all court proceedings.
• MAY I DISCUSS THE CASE WITH ANYONE?
  Yes, but you do not have to unless you want to discuss it.
• WHAT WILL THE COURTROOM EXPERIENCE BE LIKE?
  Actual courtroom experiences are not like what is seen on television. The Deputy District Attorney assigned to your case will discuss what you might expect when you come to court.
• WILL I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
  No. The District Attorney's Office will represent you in Criminal Court.
• CAN THE CHARGES BE DROPPED IF I CHANGE MY MIND?
  Once the prosecution has been started, only the District Attorney's Office can drop the charges.
• WILL MY NAME AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE BE IN THE NEWSPAPER?
  Usually not, but sometimes information may be in the paper. All crimes are public record except those involving children under the age of sixteen.
• IF I HAVE DOCTOR BILLS OR NEED COUNSELING, IS THERE FINANCIAL HELP?
  Yes. Funds are available through the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission to pay for certain expenses incurred by victims of crime. An application and link are provided on the Agency Links page of this website or you can obtain an application from the Victim-Witness Assistance Office.
• CAN I GIVE A DEPOSITION FOR MY STATEMENT IN COURT?
  No. The law states that you must be present to testify in criminal court.