Do I need to hire an attorney?
No, you do not need to hire an attorney to represent you. The County Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution of your case. The County Attorney is paid by Strafford County, so you are not required to pay legal fees. If you wish to pursue your case in civil court, however, you must hire your own attorney to represent you.
When will my property be returned?
All property and personal belongings will be returned to the rightful owners at the end of all court trial proceedings. The Strafford County Attorney’s Office and/or the Victim Assistance Program can assist you in their return.
What about confidentiality?
All professional personnel including the police, medical staff, and the Strafford County Attorney’s Office will respect your right of privacy and will not divulge your name to unauthorized personnel.
Should I discuss the case with the attorney or investigator working for the defendant?
Someone from the defense team may approach you for an interview. This could happen at any point during the pendency of the case. The choice is yours about whether to speak with them. You are not obligated to do so, however, you may do so at your choosing. If you choose to speak with the defense team, the county attorney’s office asks that you notify us and allow us to be present for your interview.