Crime Victim Center of Erie County

Our mission:
Reducing the impact of crime through counseling, education and advocacy.

If you have been a victim, know a victim or have witnessed a crime–we can help.
All services are free and confidential. Call us at 1 (800) 352-7273.

Adult Court System

If you are the victim or witness of a violent crime your role is vital to our system of justice. Please use the links below to familiarize yourself with our court system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is expected of a victim/witness of a crime?

A victim/witness is expected to report the crime to the police and to testify as to what happened. The police will take the statement and file a complaint. An arrest warrant or a summons is then issued.

What happens after the suspect is arrested?

After the accused person is arrested, he or she will appear before a district judge for an arraignment. The purpose of the arraignment is to set bail, furnish the defendant with a copy of the complaint, advise him or her of the right to legal counsel and to set a date for the preliminary hearing. The victim/witness is not required to be present at the arraignment.

What is the purpose of bail?

Bail is used to insure the defendant’s appearance in court. A district judge will determine the amount of bail. Only a common pleas court judge can set bail in homicide cases.

What is a preliminary hearing?

The purpose of the preliminary hearing is to determine that a crime has been committed and that there is reason to believe the accused committed the crime.

Does the victim need to be represented by an attorney?

No, the district attorney’s office will handle the prosecution of the case.

What can a victim/witness expect before a scheduled trial?

Before the trial, the victim/witness will receive a witness card from the district attorney’s office. This card is an official notice informing the victim/witness of the dates the case is tentatively scheduled to be heard. This card will request that the victim/witness call the Crime Victim Center and place themselves on call. If it will be impossible for them to appear on the trial date, they must call the district attorney’s office at (814) 451-6349 and inform them immediately.

It is normal to feel anxious about the upcoming trial. If the victim/witness has any questions or concerns, Crime Victim Center is available to assist them at (814) 455-9515.

What if the victim/witness is threatened by the defendant or his or her family?

If the defendant or anyone else attempts to intimidate the victim or witness, he or she should notify the police department immediately and call the district attorney's office at (814) 451-6349. Criminal charges can be brought against the person making the threats and, if the threat is made by the defendant, his or her bail can be revoked.

What if the defense attorney contacts me about the case?

A victim/witness is under no obligation to speak to the defense attorney and may refuse to do so. However, all contacts by the defense attorney or his or her investigator should be reported to the district attorney’s office.

What happens on the day of the trial?

Four things can happen the day of the trial:

  1. The trial may be held and victim/witness will testify.
  2. The defendant may plead guilty making the trial and the victim/witness unnecessary.
  3. The case may be continued or postponed.
  4. The defendant may fail to appear and a bench warrant will be issued for his or her arrest. When the defendant is apprehended, the case will be assigned a new trial date and the victim/witness will be notified.

What can I expect in the courtroom?

In a trial, the district attorney has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant chooses whether a judge or jury will decide the verdict. Once the victim/witness gets into court and is called as a witness, he or she will be placed under oath to swear to tell the truth. The district attorney will question the victim/witness first (direct examination). After the district attorney has completed questioning, the defense attorney will have the right to ask the victim/witness questions about the case (cross examination).

May my friends and family be in the courtroom while I testify?

Friends and family members of the victim/witness may be present in the courtroom, provided that they themselves will not be called as a witness.

When will the defendant be sentenced?

If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will set a date and time for sentencing. This date is usually six weeks after the trial. The victim should receive a victim impact statement prior to sentencing. This form should be competed and returned before the sentence date. This allows the court to better understand how the crime has affected the victim physically, psychologically and financially. The victim may be present in the courtroom on the day of sentencing and may address the judge directly if so desired. Members of the victim’s family may also comment on how the crime has affected them. If you wish to attend the sentencing and would like someone to accompany you, please call the Crime Victim Center at (814) 455-9515.

How do I get my property returned?

The police department may be holding the property as evidence. In some cases, it can be photographed and returned to the victim by the police before the trial. However, some items must be held until the trial is complete. The district attorney must write a letter to have the property released.

Will I be compensated for the losses I have suffered as a result of a crime?

The victim should first check with his or her insurance company. The policy may provide coverage for medical bills or property damage caused by a crime. As a part of the sentence, the judge may order the defendant to make restitution to the victim for damages caused by the crime. Restitution can be ordered for medical bills and property damage or loss. The victim should complete the victim impact statement sent to them, attach any bills or estimates they have and return the statement promptly so appropriate restitution will be ordered in their case. A victim may contact the Crime Victim Center with any questions about restitution. The Crime Victim Center will also assist with completion of the victim impact statement.

If the victim has sustained physical injury as a direct result of a crime of violence, he or she may qualify for crime victim’s compensation from the State of Pennsylvania. This fund may cover out-of-pocket medical bills, burial expenses or lost wages that have incurred as a result of the crime.