Crown Office

You may have a lot of questions about what to expect. We hope the leaflets listed below will answer most of your initial questions.

The relevant leaflets will be sent to you by VIA during the court process but you can read them now by clicking on the links below.

If you need more information or if you are unsure about anything, contact your local VIA office. The number can be found by using the " Contact Us" tab.

Introduction:

· VIA - how we can help you

Advice for:

· Victims of domestic abuse

· Victims of a sexual offence

· Victims of racist and religious crime

· Bereaved nearest relatives in cases of crime-related deaths

Information about:

· Summary Trials *

· The Petition procedure (first charges against the accused in a serious case)

· Giving your Statement (Precognition)

· Sheriff & Jury Trials*

· High Court Trials*

· Sentences

· Appeals

* In Summary trials, the judge decides the verdict and sentence. In a Sheriff and Jury or High Court trial, the jury decides the verdict and the judge decides the sentence