Our Criminal Court Reception Centers provide a safe place for victims and witnesses to wait while in Criminal Court.
Our staff understands that a victim or witness may feel intimidated by the court system and overwhelmed by the experience of the criminal justice process.
Caring case managers at the Criminal Court Programs can assist you with questions you may have about your case, the criminal justice system, or the services for which you may be eligible, such as assistance with relocation, transportation, and compensation.
About Criminal Court
Criminal Court is intended to hold defendants accountable for their actions when a crime has been committed.
Criminal Courts are able to:
- Impose fines
- Issue orders of protection
- Order services for the defendant
- Sentence the offender to jail time and/or probation
In a criminal case:
- The victim files a formal complaint and is referred to as the complainant
- The offender is brought to criminal court after an arrest and is referred to as the defendant
- In criminal court, the district attorney’s office is in charge of the case and cases may proceed with or without the victim’s participation.
