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Being a Witness in Court

Being a witness in court is an important and valuable contribution to our system of justice.Find out how to prepare for court and what support is available.

If you’ve been called as a witness it means you have important knowledge about a criminal case. TheOffice of Public Prosecutions (OPP), who is responsible for the conduct of this case, offers a range of support services to help guide you through this experience.

Tips for preparing for court

• Think about the event or events about which you will be giving evidence. What happened

first? What happened next?

• Try to remember details like dates, times, descriptions, actions and exact words used.

• Read the statement you made to police. If you do not have a copy of your statement, you can

ask the police officer involved in the case or the OPP lawyer for a copy.

• Bring any statements, notes or documents you have about the case with you to court. Be sure

to let the OPP lawyer know what you have brought with you.• If you do not wish to swear on the Bible when giving evidence, let the police officer or the

OPP lawyer know before the court date

NB: It is very important that you do not discuss your evidence with other witnesses.

Free support for witnesses

As a witness you can talk to Court Network Representatives available at court for support,information and assistance in criminal matters. This service is provided by the OPP and staffed byprofessionals experienced in the area of witness/victim support. It is free of charge.

If you have any questions about going to court, your evidence or anything else to do with the case,talk to the OPP lawyer handling the case.

If you still have questions or feel confused or anxious about anything to do with your courtappearance, ring the OPP Witness Assistance Service (contact details below). 

Payments and expenses for witnesses

You will receive payment, in accordance with a set scale, as a contribution towards loss of wages,travelling and related expenses. The OPP lawyer can advise you of the scale rate.

After you have given evidence, you will be given a witness expense form signed by the OPP lawyer.You should take this form, together with your subpoena, to the OPP Witness Expense PaymentsOffice on the ground floor, 565 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, where payment will be arranged.(Witnesses in country courts should take the forms to the Clerk of Courts).

Who is the OPP?

The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) prosecutes serious criminal offences against the laws of Victoria on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The OPP employs lawyers and legalexecutives to prepare and prosecute cases. It also uses barristers referred to as Crown Prosecutorsor Prosecutors to appear in trials.

The OPP lawyer or the police may contact you to arrange a meeting with that lawyer and the Crown

Prosecutor.

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If you change your address, please tell the OPP lawyer and the police officer involved in the case your new address and telephone number.

Important contact information

Witness Assistance ServiceOffice of Public Prosecutions565 Lonsdale StMelbourne VIC 3000Tel: 03 9603 7523

Court NetworkTel: 03 9603 7420

How can witnesses be better helped? Send your feedback to the OPP.