The Victim/Witness Assistance Program was developed to assist those who find themselves involved in the criminal justice system as crime victims or witnesses for the counties of King and Queen and King William. This program, operated by the Offices of the Sheriffs and Offices of the Commonwealth Attorneys, helps ensure that fair and compassionate treatment is given to all victims and witnesses. Our goal is to reduce confusion by explaining the criminal justice process while providing information about services that are available.
The legal process can be long and complicated. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is available to make sure the needs of victims and witnesses are met.
Crime Victim & Witness Rights Act
As a victim or witness of crime, you have certain rights under Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. There are specific steps you may need to take to receive these rights. For detailed information, obtain a copy of “An Informational Guide to Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act” from the King William and King and Queen Counties Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Police Department, Sheriff’s Offices, or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
A Crime Victim and Witness Information Guide is available with local program and contact information.
Call the Victim/Witness Assistance Program If…
-You need information regarding the status of your case;
-You would like an explanation of court procedures or a tour of the courtroom before you testify;
-You need to verify your court date;
-You have questions about your role as a witness;
-You need assistance with your employer regarding your court appearance;
-You need a referral to agencies that provide emergency medical, psychological, or financial assistance to crime victims;
-You want assistance in preparing your Victim Impact Statement;
-You have questions about the Virginia Victim Fund and/or you need assistance with filing a claim;
-You are not receiving restitution payments that were ordered by the court;
-You need to notify us of a change of address or telephone number;
-Your personal property is being held as evidence and you want to know when you can recover it; or
-You wish to be notified of a convicted prisoner’s release.
Tips on Testifying
–Be Prepared. Try to recall what happened and picture the scene and objects there. Don’t try to memorize your testimony; simply be prepared to tell what happened in your own words.
–Be Courteous. Try to remain calm and do not lose your temper. Your behavior on the witness stand will affect how your credibility is viewed.
–Tell the Truth. Don’t try to figure out if your answer will hurt or help the case. Just answer truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. If you don’t know the answer, then say you don’t know.
–Speak Clearly and Loudly. Everyone must be able to hear and understand your testimony. An inaudible voice detracts from your testimony and may make the court think that you are not certain of what you are saying.
–Answer Only the Questions Asked of You. If you do not understand a question, ask that it be explained. It is the duty of the attorney to make the question clear. Do not volunteer information and remember to stop immediately if the judge interrupts or an attorney objects to a question.
–Be Prepared to Wait. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has significantly reduced the amount of time a witness spends in court. However, occasionally a witness may be requested to remain nearby for a period of time
Contact Information
Robin L. Bostic, Director
Office: (804) 769-4159
King and Queen County Sheriff’s Office: (804) 785-7400
Email: robin.bostic@kwc.gov
King and Queen Victim Witness Program
ReportIt Citizen Property Inventory System
This secure online system allows everyone, everywhere to catalog information about their personal property; such as collectibles, jewelry, electronics, machinery, lawn equipment and much more. ReportIt will allow you to put whatever information you think is important including serial numbers, owner applied numbers, photos, and scans of receipts for your valuables that will help Law Enforcement to recover your lost or stolen property quickly.
Why is this important?
ReportIt has become accessible to you because your local Law Enforcement wants you to be prepared in the event of theft or loss. If valuable items were to ever be stolen or lost, you can easily print out the information you provided in ReportIt and provide it to your local Law Enforcement Agency for easy identification of the stolen or lost property and help with faster recovery of your property.
How to take advantage of this service?
Go to www.reportit.leadsonline.com. There will be a box to the left hand side of your screen where you have the option to login or create an account. And the good thing is, it's all FREE! ReportIt provides you a secure online record of your valuables from anywhere that there is internet access. Each account can hold up to 100 items and additional storage is available. No worries, all of your information is password protected so no one will be able to access your valuable information unless they have access to your username and password.
This application is a great tool to also help with keeping an up-to-date catalog of all your inventory in your house or business and it is an easier way to remember when things need to be renewed, re-insured, or warranty expirations.
SERVICES
Neighborhood Watch
This program gives citizens the service of surveys of Day Cares, Schools, Churches, Homes, and Businesses.
The Sheriff's Office is now offering the citizens of King and Queen County the service of organization, set up, and maintenance of the "Neighborhood Watch" program.
Along with this service is certified to conduct Daycare, School, Church, Home, and Business surveys based on the "Community Policing Through Environmental Design" model.
If you are interested in any of the services please call dispatch at (804) 785-7400 to schedule someone to respond to your home, business, or neighborhood.
King and Queen County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff William R. Balderson
242 Allen's Circle
P.O. Box 38
King and Queen Courthouse, VA 23085
Phone: (804) 785-7400
Fax: (804) 785-5489
All Emergencies Dial: 9-1-1