Going to court?
No problem.
Get answers to your top court question
“Um what should I wear?
“What do I need to bring?”
“Do I have to find my own lawyer?”
“Can I bring a friend or family member?”
“What’s most important in my testimony?”
Will they take my phone?
Can I have my headphones?
Get Answers
Court isn’t like what’s on TV
But that doesn’t mean we’re going in unprepared.
Court is important, but it’s also pretty simple. Let’s take it one question at a time. 🙂
“Seems dark and scary.”
Courthouses can be pretty old, but they’re important parts of justice in every community.“Will this even work?”
The judicial system has its faults, but it’s the best system we have for uncovering truth.“Do I have to do this?”
You have rights, and, yes, it’s hard. But we know you want to see justice.CHOOSE YOUR PATH
(Don’t worry, you can come back here anytime. We’re not going anywhere.)
“I have to testify in court.”
Testifying in court can be scary, but almost everyone in the room is there to support and protect you.
Meet the People in Court
“I have to write a statement.”
Yep, it’s called a Victim Impact Statement. It’s pretty common, and a way for your voice to be heard in court.
More about Statements
“IDK what’s happening.”
That’s okay! A lot’s happening at the beginning. So let’s start with your rights in court and what you can expect.
Start With the Basics
“My lawyers and the judge were amazing. Both were respectful and understood what happened and why I was there.”
Jasmine Clark
Age 16, now 22. Testified
in court against her abuser, who was
sentenced to 45 years.
Age 16, now 22. Testified in court against her abuser, sentenced to 45 years.
“Glad I did this.”
“I had testify against my dad’s brother. It was hard. I cried a lot before and after. But he was sentenced to 25 years in jail. I’d absolutely do it again. I’m glad I did this.”
“Worth it.”
“The process took months, but it was worth it. My mom was really proud of me. The judge had my back. My lawyers were on top of everything.”
“Yeah, it was okay.”
“I don’t want to do this again, but no one does. I was listened to, heard, and respected by most everyone. Yeah, the process was okay, but it’s still hard.
“Glad I did this.”
“I had testify against my dad’s brother. It was hard. I cried a lot before and after. But he was sentenced to 25 years in jail. I’d absolutely do it again. I’m glad I did this.”
“Worth it.”
“The process took months, but it was worth it. My mom was really proud of me. The judge had my back. My lawyers were on top of everything.”
“Yeah, it was okay.”
“I don’t want to do this again, but no one does. I was listened to, heard, and respected by most everyone. Yeah, the process was okay, but it’s still hard.
