I don't want to see my abuser again. Is there any way to avoid seeing him/her on the date of the trial?

We suggest that you report early on the day of the trial to the County Attorney's Office on the fourth floor of the courthouse. You can remain in the office until the case is called for trial (many trials are set for the same time in the same courtroom).

Sometimes, the abuser will change his plea to guilty. If that happens, you will not have to go to the courtroom and can simply leave without having to see your abuser. However, if the abuser still wants to have a trial, you will accompany the deputy county attorney to the courtroom, where you will testify. Also present in the courtroom will be the judge, the court reporter, the bailiff, and at least one law enforcement officer. Please let us know your concerns.

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1. I was assaulted last night by my spouse/significant other/boyfriend/parent of my child, and the police arrested the person and took him/her to jail. What happens next?
2. How can I get the charges dropped?
3. Will anyone from your office tell me what is happening?
4. When does my abuser go to court?
5. What does a no-contact bond mean?
6. What is the purpose of the no-contact bond?
7. What if my abuser contacts me while out of jail on a no-contact bond?
8. What can happen if my abuser violates his no-contact bond?
9. If I have questions about my case, who can I talk to?
10. What is a Protection Order?
11. How do I obtain a Protection Order?
12. I heard my abuser pled “not guilty” and that the case is now set for trial. What happens next?
13. I don't want to see my abuser again. Is there any way to avoid seeing him/her on the date of the trial?
14. I'm afraid that after I testify my abuser might follow me to my car. What can be done?
15. What if my abuser pleads guilty or, after a trial, is found guilty by a judge or jury?
16. What is a presentence investigation? Can I talk to the judge myself?
17. What can I do to assist in the prosecution of my abuser’s case?
18. Do I have to testify? Can’t you just use my statement to the police?
19. How can I protect myself during and/or after the case?
20. What happens if my address or phone number changes?
21. Can you keep my address and/or phone number confidential?