Victim Services

This comprehensive program has been established to assist any victim of crime during a very difficult time in their life. The intent of Victim Advocate services is to assist victims with issues such as:

• Crisis Intervention
• Identifying needs and accessing available resources through information and referral
• Helping the victim understand their own role as being vital to solving crime
• Educating and helping the victim participate in the criminal justice process
• Assist with the development of short and long term safety plans for risk reduction and prevention of re-victimization

Victim Resources

The Crime Victim's Bill of Rights

You have the right:

• To timely and accurate information
• To be free from intimidation
• To be told about social services or community resources
• To be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has rights
• To the return of any property when it is no longer needed for evidentiary reasons

You have the right to be notified of:

• The status of the case including the filing of charges and final disposition
• Plea agreement, changes in court schedules, date, time, and place of court hearings
• Any release of offender from prison or institution, upon written request

You have the right to participate in prosecution:

• To inform the court of the impact of the crime at pretrial and sentencing hearing
• To confer with the prosecutor regarding pleas, bail, sentencing, and probation revocation

You have the right to reasonable protection from harm and threats:

• Tampering with witnesses is against the law
• Witnesses do not have to state their current addresses in court
• Victims have the Right to a separate secure waiting area during court

You have the right to financial assistance:

• Victims may be eligible for state victims compensation assistance for loss of income or support, funeral expenses, and reasonable medical, drug and counseling expenses
• Victims may request restitution monies, which the offender may be ordered to pay as part of his or her penalty
• Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court

The Crime Victims Compensation fund is managed by: