he first scheduled appearance by the defendant in Criminal or Circuit Court.  The indictment returned by the grand jury is read and the defendant is given a copy.  Arrangements are made for an attorney for the defendant and a trial date may be set.  Victim’s appearance is not necessary.

An amount paid or pledged by the defendant to make sure he or she will appear in court.

An independent group of private citizens who listen to information about the crime in order to decide whether the case should go to trial.  Victim’s appearance required only if subpoenaed or requested.

If the grand jurors decide that a case as met probable cause, they “return” an indictment or presentment charging the defendant with the crimes(s) committed.

The conditional release of a person from prison before the end of his or her sentence.  If the person violates the conditions of his or her release, that person may be returned to prison.  Involved parties may request to be notified by the Board of Parole of hearing dates and decisions prior to an individual’s release.

Contact the Department of Correction to request notification on other releases i.e. escape, sentence expiration, work release.

An agreed disposition of a case.  This is sometimes inaccurately referred to as “plea bargaining”.  Most defendants plead guilty.  A defendant may agree to plead guilty to the crime(s) charged or to a lesser offense.  Once a defendant has agreed to plead guilty, it is the responsibility of the District Attorney’s Office and the defendant’s attorney to reach an agreement regarding the offenses and manner of service.  This agreement is then presented to the judge who may accept or reject the plea or set the case for a sentencing hearing if there was no agreement as to the manner of service.  Although a victim will not make the final decision as to what sentence is given, the District Attorney’s Office in interested in his or her view point.

A hearing, usually in General Sessions Court, to determine if these is probalbe cause to believe that a crime has been committed ant that the defendant committed it.  If the judge determines that probable cause has been met,  the case will be “bound over” to the grand jury.  The victim’s appearance is required only if subpoenaed or requested. Even though you are not required to be present, you may come if you wish.

After a defendant’s guilty plea is accepted or he/she is found guilty after a trial,  the judge hears evidence to determine the length and manner of sentence.  The defendant may be sentenced to serve all or a portion of the sentence in jail or prison, or the sentence may be “suspended”, meaning the defendant is place on probation so long as he or she is compliant with the terms of probation.

The court proceeding in which the District Attorney, or an Assistant District Attorney, presents the case for the State, attempting to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crimes(s) as charged.  The defendant may present proof to dispute the State’s claim. Usually, the defendant chooses whether a judge or a twelve person petit jury will decide the case. You should be present at the trial. If you are needed as a witness, you will be notified.

You will be given the opportunity to provide a written impact statement to be submitted by  a probation officer as part of the pre-sentence report to be reviewed by the court prior to sentencing.  If you wish to make an oral statement at the time of sentencing please contact the District Attorney’s Office prior to the hearing.

A written order from a judge that a person be arrested.  If you are a victim or a witness, the warrant is based on a written statement about the crime in which you were involved.

Tennessee law provides compensation for victims of violent crimes, or their dependents, who have suffered out-of-pocket losses due to physical injury, loss of income, or death.  Contact a private attorney or the Victim Witness Coordinator in you District Attorney’s Office for additional information.