COMING TO FEDERAL COURT
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
DISTRICT OF COLORADO
Since most people are not familiar with courtrooms and court proceedings, we in the United States Attorney's Office would like to give you some general information about preparing for court and some suggestions about testifying.
1 Where Do I Go?
The Federal Courthouse is located in downtown Denver, at 901 19th Street (19th & Champa). The U. S. Attorney's Office is located at 1225 17th Street, Suite 700. Your subpoena will indicate where, when, and in what room the proceedings will take place. However, as the court date approaches, you will be contacted by the Assistant U. S. Attorney, Victim-Witness Coordinator, or case agent as to the exact location, date and time you will be needed.
PLEASE NOTE: Witnesses are not allowed to enter the courtroom until they are called upon to testify. Therefore, it is important that you be in the witness waiting room next to the courtroom when it is time for you to testify. The Victim-Witness Coordinator or support person will escort you to the witness waiting room on the day you are to report to court to testify.
2 Where Can I Park?
There are parking lots located around the courthouse. Parking should not exceed $10.00 for an entire day. 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 the parking lots due to the fact that we WILL NOT reimburse you for any parking tickets you may receive.
3 How Long Will I Be In Court?
It is impossible to predict how long witnesses will testify at trial. It is important that you arrange your schedule to permit maximum flexibility. You may have to wait to testify for several hours or more. You may want to bring reading materials, or something else to occupy your time, while you wait to testify.
4 What Should I Do With My Children?
Try to find a relative, friend, or neighbor to care for your children. However, you should make sure that he/she has a flexible schedule, due to the fact that you don't know when you will be released from your subpoena.
5 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.
6 Is Food Available?
There is a cafeteria located in the Federal Building across the street, and there are several restaurants located quite close to the courthouse.
7 Where Are The Bathrooms?
There are bathrooms located on each floor in between the two courtrooms located on that floor.
8 Will I Be Paid For My Time Spent As A Witness?
You will receive $40.00 for each day you are required to be in court or attend a pretrial interview, including travel days. YOU WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED FOR LOST WAGES! You will be reimbursed per mile for transportation if you drive. However, approval must be obtained from the Victim-Witness Coordinator in order for you to drive to determine the least expensive method reasonably available to you. You need to keep track of your mileage from your home and the airport or mileage from your home to the courthouse as you will be reimbursed per mile for transportation if you drive. If you incur parking tolls, or taxi expenses over $25.00 a receipt is required for reimbursement. You will receive a meal allowance of $21.00 per day of travel and $42.00 on full days. IF YOU TRAVEL TO COURT AND RETURN HOME THE SAME DAY, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A MEAL ALLOWANCE. YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A MEAL ALLOWANCE IF YOU LIVE IN COLORADO. The Victim-Witness Coordinator will provide a form for you to sign regarding reimbursement the day you report to testify. You will receive payment by mail usually within 7 to 10 days.
9 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. Actually, it happens far less often than you would think. In emergency situations call the police immediately. In other instances, contact the Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the case, the Victim-Witness Coordinator, or the case agent.
10 What About My Employer?
Many witnesses question how to approach their employer about their absence from work during their 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.
11 What If The Defendant's Attorney Or Investigator Asks 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 decide to speak about the case, tell the truth.
12 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.
13 Where Can I Go If I Have Questions Or Need Help?
The Victim-Witness Coordinator will be glad to help in any way possible. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact her at the following toll free number: 1-888-751-4450 or 303-454-0100.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
1225 17th Street, Suite 700
DENVER, COLORADO 80202
303-454-0100
1-888-751-4450