At the hearing, the judge will decide if the records are privileged and if they are relevant to the case
against the defendant. Under the law, certain records (e.g., psychiatric or other counseling records) may be
confidential, or "privileged." The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the judge will order the records
to be sent to Court for the defendant's lawyer to inspect. If the judge allows the defendant's motion, the Court
will make privileged records available only to defense counsel, pending further order of the Court, except for
limited disclosures to support staff and to other attorneys for purposes of consultation as described in the
Protective Order that counsel will be required to sign before reviewing the records.
If the records are privileged under the law, the Court will assume that you do not wish to give up
(waive) any privilege at this time, unless you provide (or have provided) a written waiver before or at the
hearing. Your absence from the hearing will not constitute a waiver of any privilege you may have under the
law.
You have the right to attend the hearing. You can take part in the hearing yourself or you may (but
need not) obtain a lawyer to represent you. Victims have the right to talk to the prosecuting attorney
before the hearing.
THIS HEARING WILL BE YOUR ONLY OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COURT REGARDING THE
RELEASE OF THESE RECORDS.