You've given a witness statement to the police

Summary

The police will contact you if you have to go to court to give evidence - this can take some time. This is because court cases can take a long time to prepare. * the case doesn’t progress - for example because there’s not enough evidence * a suspect is given bail – this means they won’t be held by the police before the trial Tell the police officer in charge of the case as soon as possible. The police will probably want you to give evidence in court to help settle the case. Don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to - you should do what feels right. If you withdraw your statement, the case might still go to court if the police think they have enough evidence to prosecute the suspect. If you want to withdraw your statement because you’re worried about giving evidence, you should tell the police how you feel. You might be able to get extra help in court - check if you can get extra help. You can get free and confidential help from the Witness Service. They can give you emotional support and help you understand the court process. You should talk to the person who asked you to go to court and tell them how you feel. There might be things they can do to help make going to.

Key information

• •the police charge a suspect
• •the case doesn’t progress - for example because there’s not enough evidence
• •a suspect is given bail – this means they won’t be held by the police before the trial
• •The police will contact you if you have to go to court to give evidence - this can take some time. This is because court cases can take a long time to prepare.
• •* the case doesn’t progress - for example because there’s not enough evidence
• •* a suspect is given bail – this means they won’t be held by the police before the trial
• •Find help and support if you’re a victim of crime on GOV.UK.
• •Tell the police officer in charge of the case as soon as possible.
• •The police will probably want you to give evidence in court to help settle the case. Don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to - you should do what feels right.
• •If you withdraw your statement, the case might still go to court if the police think they have enough evidence to prosecute the suspect.
• •If you want to withdraw your statement because you’re worried about giving evidence, you should tell the police how you feel. You might be able to get extra help in court - check if you can get extra help.
• •You can get free and confidential help from the Witness Service. They can give you emotional support and help you understand the court process.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [You've given a witness statement to the police](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/you-might-have-to-go-to-court-as-a-witness/youve-given-a-witness-statement-to-the-police/)

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