Right to information on compensation for victims of violent crimes.
Right to a safe waiting place before testifying.
Right to be notified of plea arrangements.
Right to have victim impact information included in a pre-sentence investigation of the defendant.
Right to speak at the sentencing of the defendant.
Right to restitution, if possible.
Right to be notified of parole proceedings (upon request).
Right to be kept informed and told the truth.
The Victim Assistant is the liaison between the Victim and the Prosecutor.
The Victim Assistant advises the prosecutor of the victim's feelings and concerns regarding the criminal case to which he or she is assigned and keeps the Victim informed about the status of the case the Victim Assistant will also attend court and pretrial hearings with the Victim so the Victim has a familiar face in the court room.
The Victim Assistant will also assist the Victim with preparing for court testimony and/or preparing Victim Impact Statements that are presented to the Judge at Sentencing.
The Victim Assistant is also responsible for gathering restitution information (i.e. medical bills, estimates, lost wages, etc.) for the Prosecuting Attorney.
It is very important to keep your contact information updated with the victim assistant if you are the victim of a crime. It is also important that you carefully read any materials sent to you by the Victim Assistant.
