Tooele County Attorney's Office - Victim Services Program
The following information should answer most questions you have. If you have further questions, please call (435) 843-3429.
Where do I go?
What happens once I am called as a witness?
What should I wear?
What about childcare and transportation?
How can I be an effective witness?
Is there anything else I should know?
What do I do if I have been subpoenaed?
The courthouse is located at 74 South 100 East in Tooele. The main entrance is off of 100 East and the parking lot is north of the building. To enter the courthouse, you must go through security. The County Attorney's Office is located in Suite #26, on the second floor at the south end of the building. Please check in there when you arrive. You w ill wait outside of the courtroom until you are called by a bailiff to testify. Do no enter the courtroom until you are called.
What happens once I am called as a witness?
- Proceed to the Court Clerk seated near the Judge. You will be asked to raise your right hand and swear in as a witness.
- The Prosecuting Attorney will question you first. (Direct Examination)
- The Defense Attorney will then question you. (Cross Examination)
- The Prosecuting Attorney then may ask additional questions to clarify any points of your testimony. (Re-Direct)
- The Defense Attorney then may ask additional questions to clarify any points of your testimony. (Re-Cross)
- Once your testimony is completed, the judge may ask if either attorney intends to recall you to the stand. You may be allowed to leave the courthouse, or you may need to remain in the area for additional testimony.
- When you are released as a witness, you may choose to observe the remainder of the trial.
A general guideline is to dress as if you were going to an important meeting. If you are concerned that you do not have appropriate clothing, contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator for suggestions and assistance. No shorts, tank tops, or hats are allowed in the courtroom.
What about childcare and transportation?
You will need to arrange for childcare and transportation prior to the hearing.
How can I be an effective witness?
- BE TRUTHFUL. Testify accurately to what you know. Answer to the best of your memory and do not exaggerate.
- If you don't know the answer to a question, don't be afraid to say, "I don't know" or "I don't recall."
- Be courteous to the court. Address the Judge as "Your Honor." Never be short tempered or rude, and treat the Courtroom personnel with respect. Do not joke around. Do not be argumentative.
- Speak clearly, and speak to the jury. Take your time; answer with a simple "Yes" or "No" when possible. Don't ramble. Stick to the question, and don't offer more information than necessary.
- Be prepared; think about what you are going to say. It may be helpful to picture the scene in your head so you can recall it more accurately on the stand.
- If you hear an objection, stop talking. Wait to continue until the Judge and attorneys settle the point. The Judge or attorney will tell you to answer the question if the Judge decides it is acceptable.
- Relax and remain calm. It is not appropriate to chew gun, eat candy, smoke, or drink anything in the Courtroom.
- Ask for a break. If you feel yourself getting weary, ask the Judge for a breather. It's important for you to remain alert.
- Remember to turn off your cell phone and pager before entering the courtroom.
- Again, BE TRUTHFUL.
Is there anything else I should know?
- Some waiting time is unavoidable. You may want to bring along some reading material or handiwork to pass the time.
- You will wait in the hallway until it is your turn to testify. It is important for all witnesses that you do not discuss your testimony with anyone but the attorneys, either before of after you testify. Special waiting arrangements can be made, if needed.
- Intimidating a witness is a rare occurrence, but a serious crime in itself. Prosecutors, police, and the Court will give special attention to prevent intimidation. If you are threatened or harassed, immediately contact law enforcement.
What do I do if I have been subpoenaed?
You have been subpoenaed to appear in court as a witness at a court hearing. Your subpoena indicates when the hearing is scheduled to begin. In order to avoid having to wait longer than necessary, please contact Holly Johnson, Victim/Witness Coordinator, at (435) 843-3429. She may be able to help pinpoint the time you will be expected to testify.
To help you prepare for court, you may be asked to meet with the prosecutor to discuss your testimony sometime prior to court. The defense attorney or their investigator may also contact you. You are under no legal obligation to meet or speak with the defense; however, their request is not improper and you may speak with them if you wish. You may also request that a member of the County Attorney's Office be present at any interview. If any written or recorded statement is made, you may demand a copy of the statement.