SAO10 - Victim Notification Service

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Introduction

The Office of the State Attorney for the 10th Circuit is committed to ensuring that victims of crime are treated fairly as their case moves through the criminal justice system. In order to provide victims with information on case events, the Office of the State Attorney has developed the Victim Notification System (VNS).

This free automated system provides important court event information to victims. In each case, the victim will receive a letter containing a Victim Identification Number, and general information pertaining to the victim's case and/or any defendants in the case. If VNS has your email address, you will be notified each time a court event related to the case is updated. Email is the fastest way of notification provided by VNS. The purpose of the victim notification system is to provide victims information about upcoming events in a particular criminal case, but it does not provide detailed information about cases.

The SAO10 VNS site includes:

A current listing of events on a criminal case.
A method for a victim to request future written notifications of significant events.
A method for a victim to provide an email address for email notifications.
Summary Information: a listing of all cases to which a victim is associated.
Case Activity/Details: Displays information about the significant events which are occurring in the case, including the active or closed status, notices of public court proceedings, and a description of imposed sentence.
My Information: You are also provided the ability to update your contact information.
Stop Receiving Notifications: Allows you to stop receiving notifications from VNS regarding the case and defendant.

Registration Information

All VNS letter notifications contain a Victim Identification Number (VIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the Internet.

VNS Notification Methods

VNS Letter/Email Notifications:

The first notification generated by VNS will be sent by letter (if VNS has a current and correct postal mailing address for you) and by email (if VNS has your email address). After the letter is sent to you, you will not receive further notification by letter unless you notify the VNS that you would prefer to continue to receive letters. If you register your email address with the VNS, you will receive an email each time your case is updated. You may also continue to use your VIN. Your VIN will access your case(s) one the VNS website while the matter is open, and for 90 days after it is closed. The email notices contain the same information as letter notifications provided by VNS. What if I need more information that is available through the VNS?

Update Contact Information

Please fill out this form if you find any incorrect information regarding your case.

Click Here

Request Email / US Mail Notification

Let us know if you would like to be notified of changes regarding your case.

Click Here

Term	Definition
Arraignment	If the decision to file charges is made, the defendant appears at a hearing before a judge, who advises him/her of his rights and the charges against them. If the defendant cannot afford to hire an attorney; the judge may appoint an attorney to represent him. The defendant, at this stage, may plead "guilty" or no contest." If s/he pleads "not guilty," the case will proceed to the next stage. Unless otherwise informed, victims are not required to attend this hearing.
Arrest	Suspect(s) taken to jail, fingerprinted and photographed. The decision to arrest a defendant is up to the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. After our office receives a report from law enforcement, an Assistant State Attorney will review all evidence and determine if criminal charges can be filed in the case. Such charges will be filed in the form of a legal document called an "information."
Continuance	A continuance is a request to the judge to postpone or continue the case for a variety of different reasons.
Deposition	At this proceeding, a defendant's attorney takes sworn testimony from witnesses. Everything said during a deposition is recorded. Testimony from the deposition can be compared to the testimony given at the trial. The attorney for the defendant and the Assistant State Attorney will be present at the deposition. The victim is entitled to have a Victim Advocate be present at the deposition. Please bring a photo ID to the deposition.
First Appearance	Occurs within 24 hours of an arrest. Each suspect kept in jail must appear before a Judge who establishes whether charges are reasonable. The Judge will also consider whether a bond should be set and if so, the amount. The Judge will also consider conditions of release and appoint a defense attorney if the suspect cannot afford one. You may attend this hearing but your presence is not required.
Plea Negotiation	Many cases can be settled without trial, through negotiations between the Assistant State Attorney and the defense attorney. The victim will be consulted and his/her views considered during this process. Once the attorneys have agreed to settle the case, it is subject to acceptance by the judge. Plea negotiation is an accepted procedure that eliminates the need for a trial.
Pre-trial Conference	In Felony cases, pretrial conference occurs after case management. In misdemeanor cases, pre-trial conference follows arraignment. The purpose of pretrial conference is to report to the Court whether or not the case is ready for trial. Normally, the parties will tell the Court if discovery is complete, whether witnesses are available for trial, if there are motions that need to be heard, and when each party believes the case should be tried. An attorney may request trial, a change of plea date, another pre-trial conference date. The Court will then announce the next date and type of court event.
Sentencing	If the defendant is found guilty or a plea is negotiated, the judge decides what sentence should be imposed. While the judge has some discretion in the sentencing, s/he must still follow the sentencing guidelines. Depending on the type of crime and prior convictions, the guidelines provide a range of possible penalties. The victim has the right to make an impact statement to the judge, at the sentencing.
Subpoena	This is a court-ordered legal document requiring a person to appear and testify about the facts of a case. If you fail to appear in court in response to the subpoena, you risk being held in contempt of court. If you have a scheduling conflict contact the attorney and request to reschedule the day or time, if possible.
Trial	At this proceeding, witnesses testify under oath before a judge and, usually, a jury. It is the judge or jury that determines if the case has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Juvenile cases are heard by judges only and not juries.
Trial Status	Trial Status conference is the last court event prior to jury selection. The State and Defense are asked to confirm that each is ready for trial, and that each parties' witnesses are under subpoena and available.