If you are the victim of a crime that was perpetrated by an adult, the case will proceed through the adult justice system.
What are the stages of the justice system?
Involvement in the criminal justice system can be a long and difficult process. However, VWAP staff can/will advocate on your behalf during every stage of this process.
See the definitions page for an explanation of legal terms used on this page.
- Crime reported
- Crime Investigated
- Suspect Arrested
- Preliminary Arraignment held before a Magisterial District Judge
- Preliminary Hearing held before a Magisterial District Judge
- Formal Arraignment at the Dauphin County Courthouse
- Plea or Trial
- Verdict Rendered (Guilty, Not Guilty, or Hung Jury)
- Pre-Sentence Investigation
- Sentencing
See the definitions page for an explanation of legal terms used on this page.
Preliminary hearings
The purpose of the preliminary hearing is to establish prima facie. This is the burden of the Commonwealth to demonstrate to the Magisterial District Judge that a crime was committed, and the individual being charged is most likely the person who committed the crime. Guilt or innocence of the defendant will not be determined.
Your testimony, as the victim, is crucial at the preliminary hearing. It may be the determining factor in the Magisterial District Judge’s decision for prima facie. The defendant is not required to testify at this hearing.
You, as the victim, do not need to bring an attorney to the preliminary hearing. A representative from the District Attorney’s office or a police officer will be present on your behalf.
If the Magisterial District Justice determines prima facie, the charges are bound over (transferred) to criminal court. This means that the defendant must appear at the Court of Common Pleas at the Dauphin County Courthouse for a formal arraignment hearing.
At the formal arraignment, the defendant enters a plea, requests a judge or jury trial and a tentative court date is scheduled. You cannot attend the arraignment as this is for the defendant and the victims are not allowed.
Your testimony, as the victim, is crucial at the preliminary hearing. It may be the determining factor in the Magisterial District Judge’s decision for prima facie. The defendant is not required to testify at this hearing.
You, as the victim, do not need to bring an attorney to the preliminary hearing. A representative from the District Attorney’s office or a police officer will be present on your behalf.
If the Magisterial District Justice determines prima facie, the charges are bound over (transferred) to criminal court. This means that the defendant must appear at the Court of Common Pleas at the Dauphin County Courthouse for a formal arraignment hearing.
At the formal arraignment, the defendant enters a plea, requests a judge or jury trial and a tentative court date is scheduled. You cannot attend the arraignment as this is for the defendant and the victims are not allowed.
Tips for the prelim
Arrive 15 minutes early.
While testifying, speak loudly and clearly.
Say yes or no when appropriate, rather than nodding your head.
If you don’t know the answer, it is okay to say, “I don’t know.”
Always tell the truth.
Do not chew gum.
Wear appropriate clothing – no shorts and no revealing pieces of clothing.
Turn off cell phones and pagers.
While testifying, speak loudly and clearly.
Say yes or no when appropriate, rather than nodding your head.
If you don’t know the answer, it is okay to say, “I don’t know.”
Always tell the truth.
Do not chew gum.
Wear appropriate clothing – no shorts and no revealing pieces of clothing.
Turn off cell phones and pagers.
What are my rights?
- To receive notice of the arrest within 24 hours after the preliminary arraignment.
- In personal injury crimes, to be notified of an offender’s escape from law enforcement custody.
- To have access to information regarding the grant or denial of bail.
- To be notified of certain significant actions and proceedings.
- To receive immediate notification of the release of an offender on bail.
- To have immediate notification of an offender’s pretrial escape from a local correctional facility and of the subsequent apprehension.
- To be accompanied at all criminal proceedings.
- In cases involving personal injury crimes or burglary, to receive notice of and submit prior comment on the potential reduction or dropping of any charge or changing of a plea or diversion of a case.
- To have the opportunity to offer prior comment on sentencing of a defendant.
- In personal injury crimes, to be notified in advance of the date, time and place of sentencing/disposition.
- To have opportunity to submit a written and/or oral victim impact statement.
- To be restored, to the extent possible, to the pre-crime economic status.
- To have assistance in the preparation, submission, and follow up with Victim’s Compensation claims.
- To receive information about post-sentencing notifications (as outlined in the “upon request section”).
Upon your request, you have a right…
- To receive notice of the disposition, sentence, and sentencing modifications
- In personal injury crimes, to receive notice of the release of an offender from incarceration upon sentencing
- In personal injury crimes where the offender is sentenced to a state correctional facility, victims have the right:
- To provide prior comment on and to receive post-sentencing release decisions
- To receive immediate notice of an escape and of the subsequent apprehension
- To receive notice of an offender’s commitment to a mental health facility
- In personal injury crimes where the offender is sentenced to a local correctional facility, victims have the right:
- To receive notice of the date of the release
- To receive immediate notice of an escape and of subsequent apprehension
- In personal injury crimes, to be notified of the termination of the court’s jurisdiction
- To be present at executions
In order to provide rights and services, VWAP will need to have a current address and telephone number at all times.
Restitution
Restitution claims in the Adult Justice System are handled by the District Attorney's Office, which can be reached by calling (717) 780-6767. Your Victim/Witness advocate can help answer your questions and make sure that you have the correct paperwork, but the actual claim will be handled by the DA's office.
Restitution MAY cover...
Restitution WILL NOT cover...
Victim's Compensation Assistance Program - VCAP is a state program that pays out-of-pocket medical and counseling bills, loss of wages or support, and cash benefits as a result of crime. Property losses are not covered. All other means of paying these bills (Insurance, HMO, Medical Assistance or Medicare) must be used first. The crime must be reported to the police. You can learn more about the program and receive help filing a claim by calling the Adult System Victim Services Unit at (717) 780-7075.
Restitution MAY cover...
- Medical Expenses
- Insurance Deductibles
- Property Loss
Restitution WILL NOT cover...
- Pain and Suffering
Victim's Compensation Assistance Program - VCAP is a state program that pays out-of-pocket medical and counseling bills, loss of wages or support, and cash benefits as a result of crime. Property losses are not covered. All other means of paying these bills (Insurance, HMO, Medical Assistance or Medicare) must be used first. The crime must be reported to the police. You can learn more about the program and receive help filing a claim by calling the Adult System Victim Services Unit at (717) 780-7075.