Victims

The following information is provided by the Abilene Municipal Court as an aid to assist victims of ordinance violations. From the moment an ordinance violation is committed to the final decision of a court is a multi-step process involving numerous people and agencies.

Municipal Court is the judicial branch of city government.  Traffic violations, misdemeanors and other violations of city ordinances are tried in court and, upon conviction, carry a maximum fine of $2,500 and a possible jail term of up to one (1) year. Trials are conducted under the Code of Criminal Procedure, Code for Municipal Courts and the Rules of Evidence as adopted by the Kansas Legislature.

Kansas has adopted a "Crime Victims Bill of Rights" (K.S.A. 74-7333).  As a victim of an alleged crime, you have certain rights pursuant to this law.

If you are a victim of a crime, you may also be eligible for compensation for your losses from the following sources:

  • Insurance Company - You, or another party, may have an insurance policy that provides the coverage for personal injury or property loss due to crime.
  • Kansas State Crime Victims Compensation Board - If you have medical expenses or lost wages as a result of a crime and these expenses are not reimbursed by insurance or public funds; you may be eligible to have the losses reimbursed by the Kansas State Crime Victims Compensation Board.  
  • Small Claims Court/Dickinson County District Court - Civil remedies may be available to you in addition to, or in lieu of, criminal penalties.  The Court cannot provide you an attorney for these remedies, and you may need to consider contacting your own attorney should you desire to initiate a District Court proceeding.
  • Court-Ordered Restitution - If the offender enters a diversion or is tried, found guilty or placed on probation or parole, the Court may, in certain circumstances, order the offender to make restitution of money damages, to pay the cost of injuries or damages.  A victim impact statement is required for consideration of possible restitution.

The City of Abilene is not responsible for payment of any services provided by the above-mentioned paragraphs, and provides this information as a courtesy to you.

Agency Telephone Numbers:

  • City Prosecutor (Dustin Mullin) 785-632-5666
  • Abilene Police Department or Municipal Court 785-263-1213
  • Dickinson County District Court (Protection From Abuse/Stalking Orders) 785-263-3142
  • DVAK (Domestic Violence) 800-874-1499
  • Central Kansas Mental Health (Salina Office) 800-794-8281
  • Kansas State Crime Victims Compensation Board 785-296-2359
  • Kansas Crisis Hotline (24/7 support) 888-363-2287 (888-END-ABUSE)

Typical Municipal Court process:
Crime Occurs → Police Investigation → Suspect Arrested (or Summoned) → Complaint Filed with Court → First Appearance → Plea/Diversion/Trial [Verdict after Trial] → Sentencing (if Finding of Guilt)

If you are subpoenaed or notified by the City of Abilene and requested to appear, the subpoena or notice will indicate the case in which you will be testifying, when and where to appear and what, if anything, to bring with you.

Rules of the Court:

  • Appropriate clothing must include a shirt and pants, dress or skirt and blouse and shoes.
  • No caps or hats.
  • No food or drinks.
  • No talking, except by authorized personnel.

Guidelines for testifying:

  • Always tell the truth.  Describe the people, the events, the times or places as you remember them.  Never guess or speculate about what you saw or heard.  
  • If you cannot remember certain facts say so; but do not use this response to avoid answering a question.
  • Listen carefully to the questions.  Take your time and think about your answers.
  • Answer only the questions asked.  Do not offer any extra information.
  • Speak slowly and loudly.  Use plain English; avoid street slang.
  • If you do not understand a question, ask the attorney or judge to explain.
  • If an attorney objects to a question, do not answer it until the judge tell you what to do.
  • Remember to stay calm and do not lose your temper, even if the attorney seems rude or makes you angry.  Your ability to accurately remember facts is being tested.
  • Do not argue with an attorney.

Above all, think before you speak and always speak the truth.