1. Is there a difference between a 72 no contact and a no contact bond condition?

Yes. A 72 no contact is enforced through the arresting agency. The victim can waive this contact or enforce it. Whether or not the 72 hour no contact was enforced, after the 72 hours, without any type of bail bond, the no contact is not enforceable. Bail bond is enforceable during the duration of bond. The only person who can make the decision to drop the no contact is the judge.

2. What is the difference between a Signature bond and a Cash bond?

A Signature bond is a signed document, by the defendant, giving his/her written word that they will follow all rules the court sets. This bond is also referred to as a recognizance bond. A signature bond carries a monetary value. The money DOES NOT have to be paid, unless the defendant fails to appear in court.

A Cash bond requires the FULL amount of a monetary value set by the judge to be paid. If the money cannot be paid and the defendant is already in jail, the defendant will remain in jail. If the defendant is not in jail and cannot pay the bond, the defendant will go to jail.

3. Am I required to appear at every court hearing?

No. You are only required to appear at court hearings when you are subpoenaed. A subpoena will be served to you and on the document it will say, You Must Appear. If you are a victim or witness and request to be notified of all court hearings, you will get court notices in the mail. This information is not a subpoena. It is being sent to you, per your request. You are welcomed to attend any hearing, but again are not required to unless you are subpoenaed.

4. What if my employer will not let me off to come to court?

As a victim of a crime you have a right to attend every court hearing. If you have a problem with your employer not letting you off of work to attend a court hearing, please contact the Victim Witness Office at 715-526-4608.

5. What can I claim for restitution?

Restitution is given to victims of crime. Restitution is any out of pocket expense the victim had to endure as a direct result of this crime. Restitution can also be ordered to repair or replace items that were stolen or destroyed during the crime. Pain and suffering or hardship are not considered restitution.

6. As a victim of a crime, how can I find out about my case?

You can contact the Victim/Witness Office and request information about the day and time of the upcoming court hearing in your case. You may also check with the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access website.
If you requested to be notified of the final outcome of your case, the Victim/Witness Office will send you a letter informing you of the final outcome.

7. How do I get my property returned if it has been recovered by the police?

Recovered property may be needed as evidence if your case goes to trial. You will be notified by your local law enforcement agency when your property is no longer needed. If for some reason you need your property returned sooner, please make contact with the law enforcement agency.

8. What if the defendant's investigator or attorney wants to talk to me?

You are free to speak with them and you are also free to decline to answer their questions. Be sure you know who you are talking to before discussing the case. It is perfectly proper for you to ask for identification of the person who wants to talk to you.

9. What does Domestic Abuse mean?

Domestic Abuse is an enhancer to a crime that has been committed. Domestic Abuse means the defendant and victim either live together, have lived together, have a child together, or have been married.

10. I am too afraid to go to court. Is there someone who can go with me?

Yes. You can always bring a family member or friend to attend court. Adult court is open to the public. If you would like a member of Victim Witness to attend court with you, please contact the Victim Witness Office at least one day before the court hearing. A member of Victim Witness will attend the court hearing with you.

11. The judge ordered restitution, but I have not received any money. What happens now?

If the defendant is on probation, contact their probation officer. The Regional Office phone number is 715-365-2587 and the Shawano Menominee County Office is 715-526-2159. If the defendant is not on probation, you may want to pursue civil action. If you chose to do so, please contact the Clerk of Courts Office at 715-526-9347.