Citizens Advice Witness Service

Giving evidence as a witness can be daunting and the court process can be complicated and difficult to understand.

The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

Get help from the Witness Service

Our trained volunteers provide practical information about the court process. They can also give emotional support to help witnesses feel more confident when giving evidence.

We can:

• provide information about the court process
• show witnesses the courtroom before the trial
• be there to talk to in confidence
• accompany witnesses when they give their evidence
• give support on the day of the trial - at verdict and sentencing
• help prepare witnesses who need extra support - at their home or another safe place
• help witnesses claim expenses
• work with other agencies to make sure the right support is provided
• refer witnesses to our partner organisations - including local Citizens Advice, for support with other issues before, during or after the trial

Complete our referral form to get support from the Witness Service - someone from our team will be in touch.