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Victim and Witness Trials

Circuit Court Docket Changes

Call the Victim Witness Unit after 4:30 p.m. for a recorded message, or check the list of changes in criminal Circuit Court cases for updates and excusals. Be prepared to reference your file or case number when contacting the office. 

Receiving Your Subpoena

If you are a victim of or an eyewitness to a crime, approximately two weeks prior to trial, a Deputy Sheriff will deliver to your home a witness summons or subpoena to appear. You are required by law to appear on the scheduled trial date unless you have been excused by a representative of the State's Attorney's Office. Written statements are not permitted in place of live testimony because a person charged with a crime has the right to ask questions of the witnesses who testify against him or her via their attorney.

Preparing for Trial

If your contact information or address changes prior to your trial, call the State's Attorney's Office as soon as possible. We will not be able to notify you of trial dates or changes if we cannot locate or contact you.

One Week Prior to Trial

Call the State's Attorney's Office to discuss your case with the Assistant State's Attorney handling your case. Tell them if you have any saved messages from, or photos of injuries caused by, the defendant. This is evidence you should bring with you to court.

The Night Before Trial

Call the Victim Witness Unit after 4:30 p.m. for a recorded message, or check the list of changes in criminal Circuit Court cases for the following day.

The Day of Trial

On the date of your trial, report to the State's Attorney's Office (fifth floor, room 511) by 9 a.m. Office staff will direct you to the courtroom where your case will be heard and validate your parking if you are eligible. You will have an opportunity to speak to the Assistant State's Attorney assigned to your case at this time. Your case may not take place as early as scheduled. Please be prepared to wait.

Postponements

Many times, cases that are postponed are not requested by the defendant until the day of trial. If the defendant's request is granted, a new trial date will be set and you will have to appear. However, some postponements are requested before the trial date. Call the Victim Witness Unit after 4:30 p.m. for a recorded message, or check the list of changes in criminal Circuit Court cases for the following day.

Victim Rights and Resources

The following is a summary of the guidelines which describe the ways in which victims and witnesses of crime will be treated and assisted. These guidelines are part of Maryland's Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure, Article 11-1002.

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Contact Us

Victim and Witness Program

County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 511
Towson, Maryland 21204

Reception Office
Room 329

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone

Victim Witness Unit: 410-887-6650
Family Violence Unit: 410-887-6610
TTY: 410-887-2799

State's Attorney

Scott D. Shellenberger