![]() The goal of the Federal Victim Witness Program is to ensure that victims and witnesses of federal crimes are treated fairly, that their privacy is respected, and that they are treated with dignity and respect. Defendant: the person accused of committing a crime.Įach United States Attorney's Office has a Victim Witness Program which is staffed by at least one Victim Witness Coordinator or Victim Advocate.Victim: an individual who has suffered direct physical, emotional, or economic harm as a result of the commission of a crime.Witness: a person who has information or evidence concerning a crime and provides information regarding his/her knowledge to a law enforcement agency.Victim Witness Coordinator / Advocate: the person(s) in the United States Attorneys' offices who will assist you in your journey through the criminal justice system.Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA): government lawyers in the United States Attorneys' offices who prosecute cases on behalf of the United States.The United States Attorney's offices are part of the United States Department of Justice. The USA is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. The United States Attorney (USA): the chief prosecutor for violations of federal laws of the United States.He/she has some, but not all, of the powers of a judge. Sometimes a Federal Magistrate Judge presides over the proceeding. Federal Judge: the individual who presides over a court proceeding.GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES Participants in the Criminal Justice System This webpage will provide answers to many of your questions and will help you understand your rights and responsibilities. The United States Attorney's Office is committed to ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. If you are a victim or a witness, the Victim Witness Program of the United States Attorney's Office can help you understand the rights given to you by law. Complete cooperation and truthful testimony of all witnesses and victims are essential to the determination of the guilt or innocence of a person accused of committing a crime.Ĭrime victims and witnesses might experience feelings of confusion, frustration, fear, and anger. The federal criminal justice system cannot function without the participation of victims and witnesses. ![]() Victims of crime, and other people who have knowledge about the commission of a crime, are often required to testify at a trial or at other court proceedings. What Happens in Felony and Misdemeanor Cases Participants in the Criminal Justice System General Information for Victims and Witnesses
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