FAQs • Westmoreland County, PA • CivicEngage

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Can I drop the charges against an offender?: You cannot drop the charges once they are filed by the police. You may notify the District Attorney of your desire but the Judge is the only one who can formally dismiss the charges.

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Victim Witness Services

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1. Do I need to be present in court?: Generally, you do not need to be present in court unless the Victim/Witness Services Office or the District Attorney's Office contacts you by phone or mail and tells you to be there. However, as a victim you have the right to be there if you wish.

2. Do I get reimbursed for coming to court?: If you are subpoenaed to testify, you should receive a yellow card to be turned into the Clerk of Courts. You will be sent a "minimal fee" for appearing in Court.

3. Can I drop the charges against an offender?: You cannot drop the charges once they are filed by the police. You may notify the District Attorney of your desire but the Judge is the only one who can formally dismiss the charges.

4. How long will the case take to go to trial?: If the defendant is incarcerated, the case will come before the Court within 6 months. If the defendant is out of jail, it will be at least 12 months before the case comes before the court.

5. When can I expect to receive my restitution?: The defendant is not expected to begin paying restitution until after they are sentenced. Restitution is to be paid to the Clerk of Courts and will then be sent to the victim. The defendant has the entire tem of their sentence to pay restitution. If the defendant is not paying, the Probation Officer can file a violation. Please be aware that restitution can be a very lengthily process.

6. Do I need an attorney?: You do not need an attorney for the criminal case. The Assistant District Attorney is representing the Commonwealth and you as a victim. If you plan on filing a civil suit, you will need to hire an attorney.

7. Do have to talk to a defense attorney?: As a victim, you do not have to speak to defense attorneys unless you are testifying under oath.

8. Do I have to talk to the media?: You are under no obligation to discuss anything with the media. Please keep in mind that the media has the right to be in and around the courtroom. You may be approached by the media at anytime. If you choose not to speak to them just tell them "no comment" and they will respect your wishes but they may still film you.