Coming to Court

You may receive a subpoena for a hearing or trial.  A subpoena is a court order requiring you to appear in court and provide testimony.

If you have questions about testifying, call 319-892-6350 and ask to speak with the Victim/Witness Coordinator assigned to the case.

Facts About Court

• The defendant will be in the courtroom.
• A witness must provide their testimony in person.
• The courtroom is open to the public.
• Support persons can accompany you to court as long as they are not also a witness.
• Witnesses are sequestered, which means they cannot sit in the courtroom before or after they testify.
• If you receive a subpoena but fail to come to court, you may be subject to contempt proceedings.

Tips for Testifying

• ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH.
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, or you can’t remember, just say so.
• Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear you.
• Dress neatly and conservatively.
• Wait until a question is finished before answering.
• If there is an objection, wait for the Judge to make a ruling before answering.
• Do not discuss your testimony with other witnesses.
• Do not discuss the case or your testimony in the common areas of the courthouse.

Travel Arrangements

If you have received a subpoena for court and you need assistance in making travel arrangements to the Linn County Courthouse, call 319-892-6350 and ask to speak with the Victim/Witness Coordinator assigned to the case.