Vicitm statment.
Copyright © 2008 by "Witness service" · All Rights reserved · E-Mail: contact@info-court.org
Your chance in court.
Making a Victim Personal Statement,
What is a Victim Personal Statement?
A Victim personal statement is your chance to tell the court how the crime has affected you, and to tell the court about any support you may need as a result of the crime e.g. physically, emotionally, or financially.
Do I have to make a personal statement?
You don’t have to if you don’t want to. You may also make one at a later date after you have given your initial statement. However, it is important that this is done before the Court trial begins. If you don’t make a personal statement this won’t affect the outcome of the trial.
What would happen?
After you have given your Victim Personal Statement, it will be added to your initial statement and will become part of the case papers. This means everyone involved in the case, [Police, CPS, the defence and judges] will have a copy.
Will this make a difference if the defendant is found guilty?
You would not be able to impose a sentence on the defendant, this is up to the court. However the court will take in your Statement when deciding the punishment.
Some victims of crime feel that criminal proceedings against a defendant aren’t necessary. For example, a family of a deceased person may feel that the defendant does not deserve to go to prison if the death was an accident. If a crime has been proven to have taken place, whether intentionally or not, it’s the courts duty to impose the appropriate sentence. However, by giving a Victim Personal Statement, the victims' family would have the chance to tell the court that they have forgiven the defendant. But, it is important to remember that this does not mean the defendant will not be punished as appropriate.
How do I make a Victim Personal Statement?
If you are a witness or victim of crime contact the Police officers who are dealing with the case who will advise on you the next steps. Otherwise contact your solicitors or CPS.
What sort of information can I give?
You can say in your statement:
If you want to be told the progress of your case.
If you would like extra support, particularly when giving evidence.
If you are worried about the defendant being released.
Why you feel you were victimised.
How the crime has affected you.
And anything else you think may help.
What is a Victim Personal Statement?
A Victim personal statement is your chance to tell the court how the crime has affected you, and to tell the court about any support you may need as a result of the crime e.g. physically, emotionally, or financially.
Do I have to make a personal statement?
You don’t have to if you don’t want to. You may also make one at a later date after you have given your initial statement. However, it is important that this is done before the Court trial begins. If you don’t make a personal statement this won’t affect the outcome of the trial.
What would happen?
After you have given your Victim Personal Statement, it will be added to your initial statement and will become part of the case papers. This means everyone involved in the case, [Police, CPS, the defence and judges] will have a copy.
Will this make a difference if the defendant is found guilty?
You would not be able to impose a sentence on the defendant, this is up to the court. However the court will take in your Statement when deciding the punishment.
Some victims of crime feel that criminal proceedings against a defendant aren’t necessary. For example, a family of a deceased person may feel that the defendant does not deserve to go to prison if the death was an accident. If a crime has been proven to have taken place, whether intentionally or not, it’s the courts duty to impose the appropriate sentence. However, by giving a Victim Personal Statement, the victims' family would have the chance to tell the court that they have forgiven the defendant. But, it is important to remember that this does not mean the defendant will not be punished as appropriate.
How do I make a Victim Personal Statement?
If you are a witness or victim of crime contact the Police officers who are dealing with the case who will advise on you the next steps. Otherwise contact your solicitors or CPS.
What sort of information can I give?
You can say in your statement:
If you want to be told the progress of your case.
If you would like extra support, particularly when giving evidence.
If you are worried about the defendant being released.
Why you feel you were victimised.
How the crime has affected you.
And anything else you think may help.
EXIT.