Defense Interviews

The defense attorney may wish to interview victims and witnesses involved in the case. This can happen anytime up until trial. The Victim/Witness Advocate will set up an interview with the defense attorney or defense investigator.

Under RCW 7.69.030(10): "With respect to victims of violent and sex crimes, to have a crime victim advocate from a crime victim/witness program, or any other support person of the victim's choosing, present at any prosecutorial or defense interviews with the victim, and at any judicial proceedings related to criminal acts committed against the victim.  This subsection applies if practical and if the presence of the crime victim advocate or support person does not cause any unnecessary delay in the investigation or prosecution of the case.  The role of the crime victim advocate is to provide emotional support to the crime victim."

In regard to victims of violent and sex crimes, if the victim has signed a Letter of Intent indicating they do want an advocate present for any defense interview, the advocate will be the one setting the defense interview up.  If you sign a Letter of Intent and are contacted directly by a defense attorney or defense investigator, you can inform the defense attorney/investigator to call the advocate and the advocate will schedule the defense interview.