What are my rights as a victim?
The law provides many rights to those who are victimized by the criminal acts of others.
See the Victim Assistance – Victim Bill of Rights section on this website for more detail.
The law provides many rights to those who are victimized by the criminal acts of others.
See the Victim Assistance – Victim Bill of Rights section on this website for more detail.
A criminal complaint is a statement of facts about an alleged crime which, when filed in court, formally charges a person. These facts are first submitted by local law enforcement agencies. If the evidence submitted is deemed sufficient, a criminal complaint is filed.
A warrant is an order signed by a judge authorizing the police to arrest a person believed to have committed a crime.
The person accused is called the defendant. They will make their first appearance before a judge shortly after their arrest or after the criminal complaint is filed. Your appearance at this court hearing is not required.
Victims of violent crime, including DUIs or their survivors, may be eligible for state compensation to cover medical expenses, psychological counseling, loss of earnings, or funeral expenses which are incurred as a result of their victimization. If you are a resident of Kansas, the crime occurred within the last two years, and you feel that you qualify for such assistance, please contact the Johnson County Victim Assistance Unit or Kansas Crime Victim Compensation Board.
This person is committing a new crime, whether the harassment occurs before the crime is reported, or during the prosecution of the case. Contact the law enforcement officer in charge of the case immediately. A judge may issue a warrant against the person threatening you. They may also revoke the defendant's bail.
You may discuss the case with the defense attorney if you wish, but you should report the contact to the Johnson County District Attorney in charge of the case.
Witnesses are notified by subpoena when and where to appear. On the morning of your scheduled court appearance, you should call the telephone number printed on the subpoena. You will then be told the status of your case. This may save you an unnecessary trip to the courthouse.
It is a scheduled courtroom event held in felony cases with testimony under oath, where the judge, the defendant, the defendant's attorney, the prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office and any victim or witness subpoenaed is present. The purpose of the hearing is to establish that a crime has been committed and that the defendant committed it.
If you are subpoenaed to appear at a preliminary hearing, the Prosecutor may want you to sit in the witness chair and answer questions about who you are and what you know about the case. Give your answers as truthfully as you can. The judge is there to assist you if you do not understand a question and to see that you are treated respectfully.
District Attorney's Office
150 W. Santa Fe St.
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913-715-3000
Fax: 913-715-3050
Hours: 8am-5pm | M-F
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