VICTIMS OF CRIME HAVE RIGHTS, including the right to:

• Help getting emergency medical care.

• Be notified about arrest and court proceeding.  Arraignment may occur the day after arrest.  Contact the clerk of court to check on status, court data and location.

• Receive information on conviction, sentencing, imprisonment and release of the offender.

• Reasonable protection from the accused.

• Protection from employer harassment when under subpoena as a witness

• Timely disposition of the case after arrest of the accused.

• Return of property the police took for investigating the crime.

• Get information on services and agencies which help victims

• Be treated with fairness and respect.

• Apply for financial assistance.

Family Violence victims:

• Violence includes threats of violence.

• The police officer is responsible for deciding whether or not to make an arrest.

• Victims can file a complaint with the police, and ask them to arrest the offender

• The person arrested for a family violence crime must go to court the next day court is open.  At that time, the victim can request a protective order.

• Courts have Family Violence Victim Advocates to give victims services and support. Courts also have Family Violence Intervention Units which evaluate cases and serve both victims and offenders.

• Victims can contact the clerk of the court to learn when the offender is scheduled to be in court.  The Family Violence or Family Relations staff can tell victims which court hearings are important to attend.

• Victims can get a court order to stop further physical injury or harassment. Contact: the clerk of civil court, a family violence advocate or a lawyer.

VICTIM COMPENSATION, SERVICES & RIGHTS
1-800-822-8428

CRISIS SERVICES - 24 HOUR HOTLINES:

Domestic Violence: advocates, emergency shelter, counseling and other services: 
1-888-774-2900 Statewide, Toll-Free.

 Sexual Assault: counseling, advocacy: 1-888-999-5545 Statewide, Toll-Free.

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES: 1-800-822-8428
Information, advocacy, counseling, referral, notification, and victim compensation

src: JD-VS-2 Rev. 11-2000

Click here to send email to the Department Victim Services Coordinator