DUI Victim Impact Statement for Court
A DUI is considered a “victimless” crime in Arizona; thus, a defendant can be prosecuted even if no one was injured prior to the arrest. However, if you were injured in an accident involving a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be called on for testifying in court after a DUI accident in a criminal case against said driver. It’s normal to feel nervous in such a situation. Just remember that you’re not on trial. And if you don’t speak up, your injuries, the damage their actions caused will go unknown and possibly unpunished—and perhaps even harm someone else. The bravery that you show by submitting a victim impact statement and even testifying in court after a dui accident will help your peace of mind and those around you in the long run.
The prosecutor may speak with you briefly or at length before the trial. For attorneys, a general rule when conducting a direct examination is: “Don’t ask a question to which you don’t know the answer.” Therefore, the prosecutor will want to know generally what you’re going to say before you take the stand. You may also have your own private attorney help you prepare in testifying in court after a dui accident.
If the prosecutor does not call for your testimony, expect that victim services will meet with you before the hearing and discuss the matter with you. They will ask if you want to read your impact statement out loud or if you would prefer to have it submitted to the Judge.
Typically, they will contact you ahead of the hearing to discuss the matter. At the time of the hearing, you can read your impact statement or you can elect to have someone speak on your behalf and they can read the statement out loud. Either way, attending the hearing allows, the Judge, the prosecutor, the at fault party’s lawyer and the defendant put a face and get a full sense of what you experienced as a result of this crime.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in Phoenix have significant experience in helping clients who have been victims of DUI accidents and need help testifying in court after a dui accident in court. If you need help filing a claim for one of these awful, life changing accidents, or testifying in court after a dui accident, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our offices are conveniently located in Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor or psychiatrist who can help get your life back on track. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
If you are unsure whether or not you can afford an attorney, don’t worry. We only get paid when you settle. Check out our Attorney Fees Calculator to find out more.
Read Our Client Reviews
“I just want to say, Thank You… [Phoenix Accident and Injury] Law Firm for helping my family and I with our auto accident case! When we first walked in to your Chandler AZ office, we felt comfortable and welcomed. Never felt like we were rushed or less important to be heard! So much of the burden of dealing with our car accident was so much lighter after we contacted… [Phoenix Accident and Injury] Law Firm and am so thankful for all your help and would definitely recommend you to all my families and friends if ever they need help regarding auto accidents or personal injuries! Again, thank you for all that you did to help my family and I!” -Vaipunamanaia M. (Read this Review on Google)
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When You’re In the Court Room
You’ll be asked to speak at the sentencing hearing so the court and the defendant have a full understanding of your injuries, both economic and non-economic. This includes pain and suffering, lost wages, time away from your family and mental anguish suffered by you and your family members.
You are allowed to speak up until the Judge concludes your testimony. If you need a translator, ask Victim Services and they will provide one for you. When you enter the court room, you may ask to speak with the prosecutor if Victim Services did not arrange to meet with you and let them know you are prepared to address the court with your impact statement. You will sit behind the prosecutor until they call you to speak. You may speak from the gallery – space where the vistors sit or you may approach the prosecutor’s desk and speak. The prosecutor will tell you what will be the preferred method when you arrive. You will not have any interaction with the defendant. After speaking, you may return to your seat, you may exit the court room or if you have questions, you may wait for the hearing to end, and approach the prosecutor to ask.
For More Information, Take a Look at These Articles
What are my rights as a victim of DUI testifying against the drunk driver?
Can I get paid for the frustration and suffering I have been in on account of being in a DUI?
What if the person who hit me has had a DUI more than once?
What if the person who hit me has an open bottle of beer in the car?
How can I get paid by the bar for overserving the person who hit me?
Why are DUI accidents the worst type of accident to be in?
Does a bar have liability for overserving customers in a DUI case?
How does the court calculate how much a settlement is worth in a DUI case?
How do I know whether I have a case against the bar for overserving the drunk driver who hit me?
What are peripheral injuries in a DUI case, and how can I prepare for them?
What does it mean if I have a headache after my DUI accident?
What are punitive damages, and what do they mean for my settlement?
What is the BAC limit and laws in Arizona?
How does a drunk driver impact who is determined “at-fault” in an accident?
What are common defenses for DUI hit-and-run cases?
Get Help Now
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients with testifying after a DUI accident in the Phoenix area. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you are testifying in court after a dui accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
