You’re a victim or prosecution witness

If you’re a victim of crime or a witness for the prosecution, a witness care officer will let you know the date of the trial.

Ask the witness care officer for any help you need going to court, eg with childcare or transport.

You can also ask them if you’d like to visit the court before the trial, so you know what to expect on the day

Witness care officers work for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Contact the court if you need special help in the courtroom - eg if you’re disabled.

You’re a defence witness

If you’re a witness for the defence, the defence lawyer will let you know when you have to go to court. They may also help you get to court.

Tell your witness care officer or the defence lawyer straight away if you can't make the date of the trial.

You can claim for expenses for going to court to give evidence:

• travelling expenses - the standard or 2nd class fare, or 25p per mile if you drive
• meals and refreshments - £2.25 for up to 5 hours, or £4.50 for 5 to 10 hours
• loss of earnings - £33.50 for up to 4 hours, or £67 for longer (£42.95 or £85.90 if you're self-employed)
• child care - £67 per day

Your employer does not have to pay you for time off work when you appear as a witness.

Find out more about witness expenses and allowances.

Ask your solicitor or a court official for an expenses form when you go to court.

If you have given a statement to the police, it may have been a while since you’ve seen it.

You can ask the police to see the statement again before you go to court to refresh your memory.

If you have been called as a prosecution witness, ask the Crown Prosecution Service to see the statement.

Getting support on the day

The Witness Service at the court can give you personal support on the day of the trial - eg someone to go with you into the courtroom.

The Witness Service is run by Victim Support, and helps all witnesses in the court.

You can find your local Witness Service by contacting Victim Support.

Waiting to be called

If you're a victim or prosecution witness there should be a separate room where you can wait.

This is so you won't have to meet the defendant or their family and friends before the trial.

If there isn't a separate area, speak to court staff - they can make sure you’re safe.

If anyone tries to intimidate you, tell your solicitor or court staff - they'll report it to the police.

The court may be able to take extra steps to protect you if you’re:

• under 18
• disabled
• afraid to give evidence
• a victim of a sexual offence

These could include:

• screens to stop you from having to see the defendant
• giving evidence via a live CCTV link
• asking the public to leave the courtroom when you give evidence, if the case is about a sexual offence

Speak to the police officer, witness care officer or the solicitor who asked you to come to court if you need extra protection.