Victim / Witness

A VICTIM’S BILL OF RIGHTS

Victims and Witnesses have a right:

  • To be treated with dignity and compassion.
  • To be protected from intimidation and harm.
  • To be informed about the criminal justice process.
  • To be notified of parole decisions.

Crime victims may experience problems and disruptions that require special attention and support. The District Attorney’s Victim / Witness Program is committed to providing every possible benefit, service and courtesy available to crime victims and witnesses.

THE PROGRAM:

The California Victim / Witness Assistance Program is a statewide effort to provide support services to victims and witnesses of crime.

SERVICES:

The Victim / Witness Assistance Program provides basic services that include the following:

  • Counseling Services: Crisis intervention and follow-up counseling for emotional, personal, and financial problems resulting from the crime.
  • Referral to social service agencies, counselors and others who can assist with personal problems.
  • Orientation to the Criminal Justice System and information about the status of the court case and victims’ rights in court.
  • Property Recovery of personal items that are being held as evidence.
  • Court escort to attend court with you and provide emotional support.
  • Other Services include: Employer intervention, parole notification, technical assistance and consultation to individuals, to the community, and to professional agencies. We will also assist you in filing claims with the California Victim Compensation Program.

VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION:

The California Victim Compensation Program, was established to provide financial reimbursement to victims of crime who suffer unreimbursed financial losses due to physical/emotional injury as a direct result of a crime. This program is funded by fines and penalties assessed by the courts and deposited in the Restitution Fund.

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION IF:

  • You are injured as a result of a violent crime.
  • You depend on the victim for support.
  • You pay the medical or burial expenses of a victim who dies as a result of a crime.
  • You are a member of the family of a victim who is injured or murdered, and you need counseling as a result of the crime.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • You must file an application within three years of the date of the crime.
  • You must report the crime to the police and cooperate with them in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
  • Your actions must not have contributed to the crime.

The County of El Dorado Victim’s Assistance Program has been helping crime victims since 1980. If you need more information on Victim’s Rights or how to file a claim with the California Victim Compensation Program, call your local Victim/Witness Assistance Program Center.

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES:

In addition, the District Attorney’s Office has provided you with the following downloadable resources and links related to the rights of victims and witnesses:

Useful Forms:

Helfpul Links: