The J.A. receives complaints concerning alleged violations of the Code, investigates those complaints, charges accused with violations when there is sufficient evidence, and attempts to resolve cases. Cases can be resolved either by the J.A. or by going to a hearing. If the case goes to a hearing, the J.A. presents the case to the University Hearing Board. To learn more about the campus judicial process call 255-4680 or stop by 500 Day Hall to set up an appointment. Meetings with the J.A. are confidential.
What is the Role of the District Attorney's Office?
Once a case is brought to the District Attorney's Office, it is an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) who decides whether to press charges and continue to prosecute the case. If the case goes to criminal trial, it is not you, but the State of New York that is pressing charges against the assailant. While the ADA must work closely with you because you will probably be the principal witness, the ADA represents the people of New York and is not acting as your lawyer.
In addition, keep in mind that neither you nor the Assistant District Attorney has control over whether the defendant pleads guilty to the charge, or to a lesser charge that may be offered by the ADA.
What is Your Role if Criminal Charges are Filed?
Your job is to provide the police (and eventually the ADA) with the details of what happened and all relevant evidence. You will be asked questions that must be answered completely and honestly. More details may come back to you as you recover from the assault, and should be reported to the police and /or the ADA as you remember them.
The ADA may need to ask questions that seem irrelevant to your case, including details about your past sexual history. The ADA has an obligation to explain to you the relevance of his/her questions and how the information may be important to your case. You will probably be asked to describe what happened during the assault many times: at a preliminary hearing or before the Grand Jury, at a pre-trail hearing and/or at the trial. SEE: Internet Links, Laws
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