Criminal Court Preparation
Preparing for court: a guide for victims
These videos explain what happens before, during and after a criminal trial when you’re testifying as a witness.
Watch the court process playlist containing nine short videos
Or skip to the video you’re interested in:
Preparing to go to court
This video explains how you can prepare for court.
Information includes:
- what a subpoena is
- testimonial aids available for victims and vulnerable witnesses
- safety, including what to do if you feel unsafe
- general tips for preparing for court
- Watch preparing to go to court video.
When you arrive at court
This video explains what to expect when you arrive at court.
Information includes:
- when to arrive
- the security screening process
- meeting with the Crown Attorney and defence attorney
- what an exclusion order means for witnesses
- what a publication ban is for a sexual assault case, and how you can request one
- Watch when you arrive at court video.
The general court process
This video explains what happens in a courtroom during a criminal trial.
Information includes:
- what to do while other witnesses are testifying
- what an adjournment is
- what reasonable doubt means
- the roles of the Crown attorney and defence attorney
- what happens during cross examination and closing arguments
- Watch the general court process video.
Trial by judge and jury
This video explains how jury trials are different from trials by judge.
Information includes:
- the roles of the judge and jury
- how jurors are selected
- Watch trial by judge and jury video.
When called as a witness
This video explains what happens when it’s your turn to testify as a witness.
Information includes:
- taking an oath or affirmation
- what to expect when you testify
- Watch when called as a witness video.
After you testify
This video explains what happens after you’re done testifying.
- what to do after you’ve finished testifying
- how to get a court transcript or information about the outcome of the trial
- witness fees and other expenses you can claim
- Watch after you testify video.
Verdict and sentencing
This video explains what happens when the judge or jury reaches a decision.
Information includes:
- what acquittals and convictions mean
- what happens during a sentencing hearing
- how to submit a victim impact statement for the sentencing hearing
- what happens if the Crown or defence appeals the case
- Watch verdict and sentencing video.
After the completion of court
Information about evidence returns, Restitution claims and help collecting, Criminal Injuries Counselling Program and custody term details.
Information includes:
- how long evidence will be kept after the trial or appeal
- how to submit a restitution claim for damages the offender caused you
- how the Criminal Injuries Counselling Program can help victims with trauma
- how to get information about where the offender is being held in custody and when they will be released
- Watch after the completion of court video.
Resources
Follow us
Contact information
- Victim Services: 902-424-3309