Witness Information and Safety

Grand Jury Witness Information

Why am I a witness? I didn't see a crime occur.

Witnesses are not limited to "eye witnesses." You may have seen or heard the crime happen, or you may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or know something that contradicts another witness' testimony.

You may not think that what you know about the case is very significant. However, small pieces of information are often required to determine what really happened. If you wonder why you are testifying in a particular case, ask the Assistant United States Attorney handling the case.

Will I have to bring anything with me?

If you need to bring anything as evidence, you will be instructed to do so in the subpoena or by the Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case.

What if the defendant's attorney or investigator ask to talk to me?

You have the right to decide whether you want to discuss the case with any attorney or investigator for either the United States or the defense. Be sure you know who you are talking to when you discuss the case. Don't be afraid to ask for identification. If you decided to speak about the case, the most important thing to remember is to tell the truth. You may set the terms for any interview, including having the prosecutor present.

Will I be paid for my time spent as a witness?

You will receive a $40 witness fee for each day your are required to be in court, or attend a pretrial interview, including travel days. You will not be reimbursed for lost wages. In addition, all legitimate travel expenses related to your testimony will be paid for or reimbursed by the government. You will be reimbursed for travel by the least expensive method available. If your testimony requires you to travel by plane or stay overnight, your travel will be arranged through the government travel agency and your airfare and lodging costs will be paid directly by the government. DO NOT MAKE ANY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL YOU HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. IF YOU MAKE YOUR OWN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH THE USAO, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO REIMBURSE YOU IN FULL FOR YOUR COSTS.

You will be reimbursed for mileage, taxi fare, tolls, and parking. If two or more witnesses travel in the same privately owned vehicle, only one reimbursement for mileage will be made. You will also receive a standard per diem to cover your food costs. The per diem in Seattle is $35.50 for travel days and $71.00 for full days. The per diem in Tacoma is $30.50 for travel days and $61.00 for full days. IF YOU TRAVEL TO COURT AND RETURN HOME THE SAME DAY, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE PER DIEM. You will be provided with a form when you testify which you will use to claim reimbursement for your expenses. You will receive payment by mail. Please contact the Victim-Witness Program staff to determine your specific entitlement under the law.

RENTAL VEHICLES AND OTHER SPECIAL EXPENSES WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED WITHOUT JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL IN ADVANCE.

What about my employer?

Many witnesses question how to approach their employer about their absence from work during testimony. If requested, we will contact your employer and outline your responsibility as a subpoenaed federal witness. Employers may not retaliate against you because of your absence.

What will happen if I fail to appear?

If you fail to appear, you may be cited for contempt of court. An arrest warrant could be issued. If you have concerns about appearing, it is important that you contact the attorney on the case or the victim-witness unit as soon as possible.

Do I have to testify in front of the defendant?

If you are testifying before the grand jury, no defendant is present. If you are testifying at a criminal trial, the defendant must be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him or her. The representative for the defendant is called the defense attorney, and he or she will ask you questions after the Assistant United States Attorney is done questioning you.

Who can be with me in court?

You may bring friends or relatives with you to court, and they can probably sit in court while you testify, unless they are also witnesses. A Victim-Witness Program Advocate may also be present in court with you, if you request.

What if I am threatened by the defendant or others?

Threatening a witness is a separate federal crime, and a matter which we take very seriously. However, it actually happens very rarely. In emergency situations, call the police immediately. In other instances, contact the Assistant United States Attorney or case agent assigned to the case, or contact the Victim-Witness Unit.

Where do I go?

There are two federal courthouses in the Western District of Washington, one in Seattle and one in Tacoma.

Your subpoena will indicate which courthouse, what courtroom, and when the proceedings will take place. However, as the court date approaches, you will be contacted by the Assistant U.S. Attorney, Victim-Witness Coordinator, case agent, or other support staff and provided with information on the exact location, date and time you will be needed.

Please check to verify that your attendance is required. Call the AUSA or support staff person assigned to your case the WORK DAY BEFORE you leave your residence to attend court. Court dates can be postponed or cancelled at very short notice, and verifying your attendance may prevent a wasted trip.

Where can I park?

Click here for Seattle Federal Courthouse parking information.

Click here for Tacoma Federal Courthouse parking information.

Please note that parking is a problem at the Seattle Federal Courthouse, located downtown at 700 Stewart Street. It is in the heart of the Seattle business district and there is no parking provided at the courthouse. There are parking garages located nearby. You will be reimbursed for this expense. There is also short term metered parking on the streets around the courthouse. However, we recommend you park in a parking lot or parking garage, as we will not reimburse you for any parking tickets you may receive.

How long will I be in court?

It is impossible to predict how long witnesses will need to be at the courthouse, or exactly how long particular testimony may take. The Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case will try and give you a general idea of how long you may be on the stand. We will also try to minimize the total time you are needed at court, but it is important that you arrange your schedule to allow maximum flexibility. You may have to wait several hours or more for your turn to testify, and unexpected events can delay court proceedings. You may want to bring reading materials, or something else to occupy your time, while you wait to testify. Do not park on the street at a meter; we do not pay for parking tickets.

What should I do if I have children who need care while I am gone?

Try to find a relative, friend or neighbor to care for your children. You should make sure that he/she has a flexible schedule, as your testimony may take longer than expected. The courthouse does not have child care facilities, and is not an appropriate place for young children. If you are having difficulties securing child care, please contact the victim-witness staff for assistance.

Is food available at the courthouse?

The Seattle courthouse has a cafe in the basement of the building. The Tacoma courthouse does not. There are several restaurants located within walking distance from both courthouses, and there will be a long enough break at mid-day for you to go and get lunch. With permission of the court staff, food and drink may be allowed in the witness room, but food is NOT allowed in the courtroom.

Where are the bathrooms?

There are bathrooms located on each floor of the courthouse.