Back to top During the Trial A victim has the right to be present at the trial. The prosecutor will help you prepare for the trial by telling you what questions to expect the defendant's attorney may ask. If the defendant is found guilty or if the defendant decides to plead guilty, the judge will hold a sentencing hearing, often at a later date. Probation is a frequently imposed sentence. Probation means that a convicted offender will be released and may be under the supervision of a probation officer.
Probation often includes special conditions such as repayment to the victims.
In every case resulting in serious physical injury or death, a victim or the victim's representative may address the court to describe the impact of the crime. The court must also consider a victim's written impact statement describing the effects of the crime on the victim. A victim also has the right to request restitution. The prosecutor will help you make this request to the judge. After the trial is over, a victim may have the right to have stolen or other property returned.