Victim Assistance Program
Victims of crime in San Juan County find a friend in the Agency's Victim Assistants Division. It is this department's duty to guide you through the legal process and assist you in getting services that are available to you as a victim of crime. The victims' assistants notify victims of court dates, the progression of the case, offender release and any other pertinent information regarding their case. Each victim of every case referred to the Eleventh Judicial District Attorney's Office is assigned a specialized assistant that has been trained in assisting the specific needs of that type of crime. An advocate's duties even may include arranging for specialized services for the victim to help understand the offense and the legal remedy for that offense.
We provide services based on the victims needs, provide support through out the criminal justice process, accompany victims to court hearings, restraining order hearings, trials and assist with victim impact statements. We inform and refer victims to community services, provide telephone support and welfare checks/follow up contact. In the event a victim is entitled to restitution, we will help them understand that process as well.
Crime Victims Reparation Commission
As a victim of violent crime(s) you are to apply to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission. If the claim is approved, the Crime Victims Reparation Commission may be able to assist with cost incurred as a result of the crime such as counseling or medical expenses. Victim has two years from the date of the crime to file a claim. Our office staff is available to assist you with filing a claim as well s referrals for other needed services.
Know Your Rights!
As a victim of crime you are entitled to:
(1) the right to be treated with fairness, respect and privacy throughout the criminal justice process;
(2) the right to a timely disposition of the case;
(3) the right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process;
(4) the right to notification of court proceedings;
(5) the right to attend all public court proceedings the accused has the right to attend;
(6) the right to confer with the prosecution;
(7) the right to make a statement to the court at sentencing and at any post-sentencing hearings for the accused;
(8) the right to restitution from the person convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim's loss or injury;
(9) the right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, escape or release of the accused;
(10) the right to have the prosecuting attorney notify the victim's employer, if requested by the victim, of the necessity of the victim's cooperation and testimony in a court proceeding that may necessitate the absence of the victim from work for good cause;
(11) the right to promptly receive any property belonging to the victim that is being held for evidentiary purposes by a law enforcement agency or the prosecuting attorney, unless there are compelling evidentiary reasons for retention of the victim's property.