What if someone threatens me?
It is a crime for anyone to threaten, harass or intimidate you to prevent you from testifying at any court proceeding. If anyone threatens to harm you or a member of your family, report the threat immediately to the police and notify the Prosecutor’s Office as soon as possible. You may also contact the Clerk’s office to inquire about obtaining a protective order.
What if I want to drop charges?
A victim should be certain of his/her actions when pursuing charges. Once filed, only the Prosecutor can drop charges against a defendant; however you should let the Prosecutor’s Office know if you no longer wish to proceed with the case. While the Prosecutor will take your wishes into consideration, the Prosecutor must also take into consideration the safety of the community and other factors when making a decision to drop charges or proceed with the case.
What is a protective order?
A Protective Order is a legal document ordering an individual to refrain from having any direct or indirect contact with the person requesting the protection. Protective orders are civil matters, but a criminal charge of Invasion of Privacy may be filed when a properly served protective order is violated. Indiana law specifies that protective orders are to be used only for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or workplace violence situations. The Decatur County Clerks office handles protective orders.
What is a No Contact Order?
When charges are filed involving crimes such as domestic violence, battery, child molestation, and sexual crimes the Prosecutor’s Office commonly requests that a No Contact Order (NCO) be issued as a condition of bond. An NCO is an order prohibiting the defendant in a criminal case from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim. If an individual violates an NCO, the victim should contact the police immediately. Although the violator may be gone by the time the police arrive, victims should still fill out an offense report, in order to keep a record of evidence for future possible charges.
What does it mean if I am called as a witness?
You will receive a subpoena to appear at trial. It will be necessary for you to appear unless excused by the Deputy Prosecutor assigned to the case. Written statements are not permitted instead of live testimony because a person charged with a crime has a right to ask questions of the witnesses who testify against him/her through his/her attorney. Without your cooperation as a witness, our criminal justice system could not work. The prosecutor’s office does suggest those who receive a subpoena contact the office a day before your date in order to confirm your assistance is still required.