Prosecutor’s Office

While the prosecutor is not your personal attorney, they do have important responsibilities toward crime victims, including:

• Keeping you informed of key court dates and major case developments
• Considering your input when developing a plea agreement offer
• Advocating for victims’ rights throughout the criminal justice process
• Seeking restitution when permitted by law

However, it is important to understand that:

• The prosecutor does not provide personal legal advice
• The prosecutor does not represent your individual legal interests, especially where they may differ from the interests of the State
• The prosecutor cannot pursue civil claims or file lawsuits on your behalf

You can dress up if you wish but whatever makes you the most comfortable will be fine.

Some dress codes can vary by court, and any questions should be directed to your Victim Advocate or by contacting that court’s office staff.

• Boone County Circuit Court
• Boone County Superior Court I
• Boone County Superior II

Generally approved clothing items:

• Jeans
• Sweatshirt
• Dress
• Skirt (School appropriate)
• T-shirt (Without inappropriate pictures or wording)
• Dress shirt
• Slacks
• Leggings
• If you can wear it to school, you can probably wear it to court

Not Approved clothing:

• Shorts
• Pajama’s
• Tank tops
• Short skirts
• Sweats
• Crop tops
• Ripped jeans (holes in jeans)

Sometimes, but not always.

If you’re scared, you can tell your victim advocate.

There may be:

• separate waiting rooms
• no‑contact rules
• support people allowed with you

Your safety matters.

To testify means to tell what you remember about what happened.

You’re expected to:

• tell the truth
• say “I don’t know” if you don’t remember
• correct mistakes if one happens

You are not expected to remember everything perfectly.

That’s normal.

You can ask for:

• a break
• water
• to speak slower
• questions to be repeated
• a support person nearby (if allowed)

That’s okay. Trauma can affect memory.

Say what you honestly remember and don’t guess.

•   *   The judge decides what questions must be answered, but your feelings still matter.

    *   If a question is confusing or upsetting, you can ask:

       *   “Can you explain that?”

       *   “Can I take a break?”

Courts try to protect kids’ privacy. In many cases:

• your name may not be public
• some hearings are private
• records may be limited

You can ask who will know and what will be shared.

Yes. Your Victim Advocate will be there to support you.

After court:

• the judge may make a decision that day or later
• the prosecutor or advocate should explain the outcome
• you may continue getting support services

Court ending does not mean support has to stop.

• You’re not in trouble
• You didn’t cause what happened
• Adults are supposed to protect you
• It’s okay to ask questions