I forgot to add that court cases always get pushed and delayed. Mine took 6 or 7 months to reach trial and he plead out on the first day.
Always call beforehand to make sure. Dozens of calender calls etc. If you have a district attorney or if it is a minor crime domestic violence or a minor assault charge criminal mischief etc… stuff that is traumatic but small fries as far as courts go they will almost always let them plea down to the misdeameanor unless there is a really good case. For example, my experience was dv assualt but the assualt with deadly weapon was dropped because that would have been a felony and it was my word against his and few crummy photos. He was able to ditch the weapon in the woods and snow.
He did get the felony criminal mischief because he had made several admissions to guilt once on tape to different people and the damages far outstripped the maximum for it to be considered a misdemeanor.
Also you pretty much have to accept that you will hardly ever speak to the da or meet w/ them. That they will always get the details slightly mixed up etc. Phone calls if you are persistent will happen, just threaten to go down to the office in person they will call you back. Also emails. Just give them the clearest account you can. My police report I didn’t even write the police wrote it but I was too numb and in shock to give a complete factual and detailed account when I reported the crime. I wanted to fill one out they said don’t bother.
What I did make sure to be clear about was that I wanted my attacker to have a psych eval and then be compliant to recommendations in it. I made sure the da knew that and they included that in the plea agreement. I also wanted no contact for me and family. And they threw in the damages and a few other stipulations I hadn’t thought about or remember. I just felt that those conditions were important. He refused help and probably won’t get much from it. But he lost that right so its on him. And should he change his mind help is there.
I found out that there is no jusitice and no healing in the courtroom. But I had to go there to find that out. I didn’t have to show up legally or otherwise since he was pleaing out. I had to face my attacker so I knew I could without falling apart, to see him as human, to find out that there was no justice healing or hope in the courtroom. For some reason I always believed there was.
If you are a woman no matter what you are a victim of I recommend you going to the womens shelter because they have programs and resources and are familair with the justice system in the area.
To summarize many delays. Have a written account that is detailed and accurate make sure the attorney has it. Find out what is important that you need from this case and let the attorney know. Look for justice support healing elsewhere.