Witness Coordination
When a witness receives a subpoena issued by the District Attorney’s Office, the Victim Witness Assistance Center provides services to support the witness through the court process.
Witnesses to crime may be required to appear in court to testify, under oath, about the alleged crime. A subpoena (order to appear in court) may be issued by the Deputy District Attorney, or by the defense counsel who is representing the defendant.
If you receive a subpoena from the District Attorney's Office to testify in court, the Victim Witness Assistance Center provides the following services:
- Subpoena check-in/witness confirmation
- Case status information/witness cancellation
- Court escort/support
- Orientation to the Criminal Justice System
- Case outcome/plea information
- Liaison between witnesses and Deputy District Attorney
- Witness travel/accommodation arrangements
- Assistance obtaining witness fee/other reimbursements
- Interpreter services if needed
If you receive a District Attorney subpoena, please call Victim Witness at (805) 781-5821 or toll free at (866) 781-5821 to confirm the date/time of your appearance. We can also answer questions about criminal court procedures, or other general inquiries.
Sample Subpoena