Do I have to testify? Can’t you just use my statement to the police?

The Constitution guarantees that someone accused of a crime has a right to see and hear the witnesses against them. If the case goes to trial, witnesses must testify before the judge, and possibly a jury, as to what happened. When you spoke to the police, there may have been certain things overlooked or not talked about that are very important in regards to what happened. For those reasons, you will need to testify in court so that a complete picture of what happened can be presented.

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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?