Court Support
Victim(s) of Crime
The Red Deer City Victim Services Unit provides information to victims regarding the Criminal Justice System and the status of their particular case, court proceedings and court dispositions.
The Red Deer City Victim Services Unit will contact victims to provide the date of the first appearance and again if a trial date is set.
Unfortunately, Red Deer City Victim Services Unit is unable to call for every court appearance.
However, victims are welcome to contact the Red Deer City Victim Services Unit at any time and we can provide you with a court update.
In cases where charges are laid and a court appearance becomes necessary, Red Deer City Victim Services Unit may contact you and offer court preparation and/or court accompaniment.
Court Preparation & Accompaniment
Court preparation and accompaniment are offered to victims to help them through the court process. This can include providing an explanation of the court process, assisting with completion of forms, or being present in court with a victim during trial.
Important Facts Regarding Court
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- Police lay a charge when there is "reasonable or probable" grounds.
- Civilians do not lay the charge therefore they can not withdraw the charge.
- The early stage of "Election and Plea" can go on for several months for various reasons.
- A Preliminary Hearing is an opportunity for the Crown to present some evidence to a judge who will determine if there is sufficient evidence to set the case down for trial. The accused can waive the Preliminary Hearing.
- The victim will receive a subpoena if/when they are required for court.
- Those who receive a subpoena must attend court to testify, failure to do so may result in a witness warrant.
- It is common for a victim to meet the crown for the first time just prior to court.
- The Crown Prosecutor is NOT the victim's personal lawyer, rather he/she is the lawyer for "society" representing the victim's best interest as well as society as a whole.
Court Travel Arrangements & Expenses
Please contact the Court Clerk at the courthouse if you have been subpoenaed to attend if you have questions about travel arrangements and expenses.
Please see Alberta Courts for more information on Alberta Courts, Alberta Justice, Family Justice Services, Family Law Information and Law Information Centres.
Resources & Services
Red Deer City Victim Services Unit
We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
Red Deer Victims Services Unit