FAQs • Parker County, TX • CivicEngage

How often do I need to come to court once the case is filed?: The only court setting where a victim is required to appear is in the event a case proceeds to trial or a hearing and the victim’s testimony is necessary for the State of Texas to prove its case. All other court appearances are discretionary. In most cases, a regular docket setting is rather uneventful. Oftentimes, the prosecutor and the defense attorney have out of court discussions, while they attempt to resolve the case, and the court settings are more administrative than substantive. The dynamic should not be construed as nothing is happening with the case, but rather that both sides are waiting on information from one another, or attempting to gather additional facts for their position to ultimately help resolve the case. In cases involving lab results, such as DNA or drug testing, obtaining the results may take several months, and therefore, court settings will continue to be reset until the results are returned. The best course of action is for a victim to regularly consult with the Victim Assistance Coordinator for updated information on when it is informative and necessary to attend court settings.

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County Attorney

1. Do I need an attorney to represent my interests?: You do not need an attorney as the victim of a crime in order to participate in the criminal justice system. The prosecutor represents the State of Texas and a crime victim is not considered a party to the criminal case. The prosecutor must enforce the rights afforded to a crime victim under the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights statute, as set out in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

2. What is a Victim Assistance Coordinator?: A Victim Assistance Coordinator is here to help you navigate the criminal justice system and make sure your rights are upheld.

3. How can I be notified if the accused is released from jail?: You can track the accused custody status through a system called Victim Information and Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E.) There are two ways to register with V.I.N.E. You can call (877) 894-8463 or you can visit their website: VINE: Victim Information Notification Everyday

4. What if someone threatens me?: If it is an emergency, please call 911. It is important that you report all threats to law enforcement and the assigned victim witness counselor who will notify the assigned prosecutor of the threat.

5. What is a victim impact statement?: A victim impact statement is a document that victims and their families can use to record the impact a crime has had on them. The victim impact statement will be used throughout the criminal justice system by the prosecutor, judge, probation office, and parole board, to better understand the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial impact of the crime. Please email Lisa Mehrhoff (lisa.mehrhoff@parkercountyty.com) if you would like our office to send you a Victim Impact Statement.

6. What is the right of allocution?: The right of allocution allows crime victims and their families to make a brief statement to the defendant in court about how the crime has impacted your life. This statement is made after the defendant has been sentenced for a crime and the defendant is not allowed to question or comment on the statement. You can talk with our Victim Assistance Coordinator for more information and see if you are eligible.

7. It has been months since I was victimized and my case still has not gone to court. What is the hold up?: Before a case may be effectively prosecuted, many things must happen on the law enforcement end including, but not limited to, gathering witness statements, examining digital devices, conducting lab testing, collecting video surveillance and photographs, issuing subpoenas for medical and business records, and following up on additional investigative leads. Once the law enforcement investigation is complete, the prosecutor must review and prepare the case to present to the grand jury. Depending on the complexity of the case, this process may take months from the date of offense. While this may be frustrating, it is essential to the prosecutor that all available evidence has been gathered and that the investigation has been thoroughly conducted before proceeding with a criminal case.

8. How often do I need to come to court once the case is filed?: The only court setting where a victim is required to appear is in the event a case proceeds to trial or a hearing and the victim’s testimony is necessary for the State of Texas to prove its case. All other court appearances are discretionary. In most cases, a regular docket setting is rather uneventful. Oftentimes, the prosecutor and the defense attorney have out of court discussions, while they attempt to resolve the case, and the court settings are more administrative than substantive. The dynamic should not be construed as nothing is happening with the case, but rather that both sides are waiting on information from one another, or attempting to gather additional facts for their position to ultimately help resolve the case. In cases involving lab results, such as DNA or drug testing, obtaining the results may take several months, and therefore, court settings will continue to be reset until the results are returned. The best course of action is for a victim to regularly consult with the Victim Assistance Coordinator for updated information on when it is informative and necessary to attend court settings.

9. What is the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program?: The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program helps crime victims and their families with the financial costs of crime. To learn more information and see if you may be eligible, please visit the Office of the Attorney General's website.

10. Can I have my property returned?: Property that was taken into evidence by law enforcement during the course of crime can often be returned to you but there are some exceptions. Please know that many times the property cannot be returned until after the case is resolved. You may contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for more information.