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Now You Are a Witness

You have been called as a witness because you have important knowledge about a criminal case. The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) is responsible for the conduct of this case.

You are making a necessary and valuable contribution to our system of justice by appearing as a witness in court.

Stages of the criminal prosecution process

The OPP has a Witness Assistance Service which is available to all prosecution witnesses and victims of crime who are involved in cases handled by the OPP. This service provides information and support, and is staffed by professionals experience in the area of witness/victim support. It is free of charge.

The witness assistance staff will be pleased to help you. They can be contacted on:

Melbourne
Tel:  03 9603 7523
       03 9603 7422

Toll free for regional callers
Tel:  1800 641927

Court Network

Court Network has representatives available at court to provide support, information and assistance to witnesses in criminal matters. Court Network may be contacted on 9603 7420.

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.

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

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

Witness expenses

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 Payments Office 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).

Contact with the Office of Public Prosecutions

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 court appearance, ring the OPP Witness Assistance Service.

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

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

Role of the Office of Public Prosecutions

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

Sexual Assault Cases

Special arrangements may be available to assist victims in sexual assault cases. For details of these, speak to the OPP lawyer handling the case or the Witness Assistance Service.

Suggestions for improvement

The OPP wants to provide a quality service to witnesses and victims. Any suggestions that may improve this service are welcome.

If you have any suggestions, please contact the OPP Witness Assistance Service.