If you have received a subpoena from the District Attorney...

Criminal and Juvenile Case Witnesses

If you are a victim, saw what happened, or have other information related to the case, you may be subpoenaed to testify as a witness. Testifying in court often means a sacrifice in time and expense, but the criminal justice system cannot operate without witness testimony. If you have been personally served with a subpoena, there may be serious consequences to you if you do not appear. Please be assured that you have been subpoenaed because your testimony is essential to the case at hand. All parties involved deeply appreciate your cooperation.

  • Call ahead to confirm whether or not you still need to appear.
    • After 5pm on the night before your scheduled appearance, call the subpoenas message line included on the top right corner of your subpoena. If you do not hear the name of the defendant listed on your subpoena, then you do not need to appear the next day.
    • Criminal Subpoenas Message Line: (503) 846-3520
    • Juvenile Subpoenas Message Line: (503) 846-4711

If you have any questions or scheduling concerns and would like to speak with a Deputy District Attorney about the subpoena, please call the District Attorney's Office at (503) 846-8671, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Grand Jury Witnesses

A Grand Jury is a group of seven citizens selected from the jury pool to hear evidence on crimes committed in Washington County. Grand Jury proceedings are not in a courtroom and no judge is present. Under most circumstances, the only persons permitted to attend grand jury hearings are the grand jurors, the District Attorney and the witnesses. Each witness will testify one at a time. Neither the defendant nor the defense attorney is allowed to be present while witnesses are testifying.

  • If you have received a subpoena to appear as a witness for grand jury (Grand Jury Subpoena) you need to appear for the date and time listed on the subpoena.
  • There is no need to call the recorded message number as grand jury cases are not included on that list.

The grand jury appearance can vary in time from thirty minutes to over four hours so please contact the Deputy District Attorney at (503) 846-8671—Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm—with any scheduling concerns.

Appearing for Court Checklist

  • Arrive on time. Double-check the date and time listed on your subpoena the night before your scheduled appearance. Please allow yourself enough time to find parking if you are driving. Please also allow yourself an extra 10 minutes to get through security upon entering the building.
    • Please call (503) 846-8671 if you are running late.
  • Bring your subpoena with you. Check in at the District Attorney's Office at the front desk on the 3rd floor of the Justice Services Building.
  • Bring a book. Trials usually take an entire day or longer to conclude so please plan to bring something to keep yourself occupied while waiting to testify.
  • Courtroom Etiquette. If you are subpoenaed for a criminal trial, you will be appearing in court. Please adhere to the specific rules of courtroom procedures and etiquette.
    • Dos:
      • Wear clean, professional attire: pants, closed-toed shoes, nice shirt, etc.
      • Turn off your cell phone.
      • Be respectful to judges, attorneys, jurors, witnesses, and courthouse staff. 
    • Don'ts:
      • Wear inappropriate attire: shorts, tank tops, halter tops, flip-flops, hats, dirty clothes, etc.
      • Bring infants or small children to court.
      • Bring food, drinks, or chewing gum to court.
      • Bring weapons, alcohol, or any other illicit substances into the courthouse.

For more information, please review our witness brochures (English or Spanish).

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