All such information will be documented verbatim in the inquest transcript available approximately three weeks after the inquest. This transcript may be reviewed in the Coroner's office at no charge. The inquest is open to the public and may not be closed pursuant to any requests to do so. Anyone may attend. We do post inquest dates and times, and if someone would request notification, they are so honored by telephone at least seven days preceding the inquest.
Attorneys are welcome to attend.
The need for an attorney is purely an individual decision. This office neither recommends or advises concerning any attorney attendance, the exception being the County State's Attorney, who is notified of all inquests in Vermilion County. Attorneys are allowed to ask questions of witnesses as a courtesy only, and such questions are directed to be a maximum of two or three of each witness. Questioning again is a courtesy which may be revoked at any time. The family or anyone else will not be permitted to question the witnesses nor supply their own witnesses, again the exception being the County State's Attorney who can question the witness at any time.