Our Services

The Ross County Victim & Witness Assistance Program provides services to all felony crime victims, such as but not limited to: aggravated murder, homicide, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, felonious assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, rape, child abuse (sexual and physical), human trafficking, aggravated robbery, robbery, burglary, breaking and entering, identity theft, theft in both the Court of Common Pleas and Juvenile Court.

Our services and responsibilities to you:

  • Assist with testifying in court COURT TIPS
  • Provide information on victim rights
  • Provide referrals to counseling and support groups within the community
  • Be a liaison between the prosecutor, law enforcement and other agencies
  • Attend court hearings
  • Provide a safe waiting area free from threats and intimidation
  • Assist you with court preparation
  • Provide assistance in filing compensation applications
  • Assist with restitution
  • Assist with emergency services and referrals
  • Assist in writing victim impact statements
  • Help with transportation to court
  • Referrals for safe housing
  • Assistance with returning property that is being held as evidence
  • Assistance with registering with the VINE program
  • Assistance with registering with the Office of Victim Services for an offender's release
  • Assistance with registering with the Ohio Department of Youth Services for a juvenile's release

Contact

We are located in downtown Chillicothe in the basement of the law enforcement complex. Our office hours are 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Appointments are not necessary but are helpful as we are in court a lot.

28 N Paint Street • Chillicothe, OH 45601
P: (740) 702-3190 or 1-877-702-3190
F: (740) 702-3192

Attending Court

 

Testifying in court can be emotionally and physically stressful. By being prepared, the stress can be reduced and the information you offer to the court can be more clearly communicated.

To see how the Juvenile Court Process is broken down, click HERE. To see how Felony Crimes are processed in the Criminal Justice System from start to finish, click HERE.

Tips About Your Testimony

  • Be prepared and knowledgeable about the case.
  • Bring your subpoena.
  • Be civil to all present. Do not chew gum or eat in the courtroom. Refer to the judge or magistrate as "Your Honor," and always treat the Court with respect. Dress conservatively.
  • Do not volunteer information. Respond to the question asked, then stop.
  • Respond truthfully even if you think the answer will hurt this case. You are under oath and are criminally liable for lying.
  • If you do not understand the question, say so.
  • If you do not know the answer to a question, say so. Never guess at an answer- for you risk the belief by the judge that other answers have also been guesses.
  • Be exact and consistent in your testimony.
  • Think about your answer before you begin speaking. Never allow the examiner to rush you and get you flustered. The examiner can only ask questions as fast as you can answer them.
  • In the event an attorney objects to a question, wait until the objection is ruled on before answering. If the objection is sustained, you do not answer. If the objection is overruled, proceed to answer.
  • If you realize that an answer to a previous question was in error, ask to correct the mistake.

Legal Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only. You should seek the advice of a qualified licensed attorney for legal advice. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact your local law enforcement agency or 911. This website was supported by a State Victim Assistance Act (SVAA) grant award administered by the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

About

The Ross County Victim/Witness Assistance Program provides assistance to felony crime victims in the Court of Common Pleas and Juvenile Division.

Contact

  • 28 N Paint Street • Chillicothe, OH 45601
  • P: (740) 702-3190 or 1-877-702-3190
  • F: (740) 702-3192

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