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Island County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Washington


Crime Victim

Being a crime victim is often an overwhelming and emotional situation. The Island County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office employs a full-time Victim-Witness Coordinator to assist victims in understanding their rights throughout the criminal justice process, explain Crime Victims Compensation and victim notification programs, provide referrals to other agencies, relay concerns to the prosecutor and provide support in interviews, hearings and trials.

You can reach the Victim-Witness Coordinator at (360) 678-7949 or

How Did I Get Here?

Frequently our office answers questions from victims about how a case ends up in the courtroom when all they’ve done is report an incident to law enforcement. Here is a brief overview of the “life” of a case from when it is reported to its resolution.

When a crime is reported to law enforcement, officers will conduct an investigation to determine if a crime occurred and if there is probable cause to arrest the suspect. With misdemeanor crimes where probable cause is found, officers will issue a citation to the defendant with a mandatory court appearance. A copy of the citation is also sent to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to prosecute the defendant for the crime. With felony matters, law enforcement will conduct its investigation and then refer the case to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where a Deputy Prosecutor will make a charging decision. Misdemeanor cases are handled in District Court while felony cases are handled in Superior Court.

Once charges are filed, the case goes through its respective court system. At the first hearing, the Arraignment, the defendant enters a plea. Prosecutors are required to provide all discovery (evidence) to the defense attorney and will typically begin plea negotiations after the Arraignment. The case may be resolved by way of the defendant accepting a plea offer or by the case going to trial. A person is convicted if they enter a guilty plea and are sentenced, or if they are found guilty at trial.

While the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office represents the State of Washington and not the crime victim, crime victims have the right to be notified when charges are filed, court appearances are set and the case is resolved. Crime victims also have the right to express to the court how the crime impacted their life, what kind of an outcome they would like and seek restitution for damages caused by the crime.

For a complete list of crime victim rights, see RCW 7.69.030.

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