Victim/Witness Assistance
AS A VICTIM OF CRIME, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO:
• Obtain information about your case, including current status
• Financial Assistance
• Crime victim advocates
• Receive and submit a "Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form"
• Attend all adult and certain juvenile criminal justice proceedings
• Request restitution
• Submit a written statement and speak at sentencing/disposition
• Be informed of the release, transfer, escape, or death of an inmate
• Attend and testify at parole hearings
For more information about Washington County State's Attorney's Office victim and witness services, please call 240-313-2000.
Click here to view the VICTIM ASSISTANCE BROCHURE
VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT
Everyone who has been a victim of a crime is asked to complete a Victim Impact Statement. This Statement is used by the court in determining sentences and is a chance for victims to describe how the crime has affected their lives. Victim Impact Statement Form
RESTITUTION AND PROPERTY FORM
The Victim Services Unit of the State's Attorney's Office assists in the financial reimbursement of victims who have suffered out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a criminal offense. This information will be made accessible to the judge and where appropriate, the court may order the defendant to reimburse you for your losses as part of the sentence. Restitution Form
The police authorities may be holding your property until the trial and any appeals are concluded. There are legal reasons for this. This office will assist with the return of property held in evidence by the police or the court. When possible, we will ask for prompt property return soon after a defendant is charged.
| QUESTIONS ABOUT RESTITUTION | |
I have incurred expenses as a result of a crime; can I be reimbursed through the criminal case? |
When a crime is committed against an individual and the perpetrator is arrested, prosecuted and found guilty of the crime, the court may order the defendant to pay restitution as a part of his sentence. |
What is restitution? |
Restitution is a form of reimbursement for victims of criminal cases for actual out-of-pocket expenses, losses, damages, and injuries suffered by the victim(s) as a result of the defendant's criminal conduct. Restitution does not cover any punitive damages. |
What do I need to do in order to receive my court ordered restitution? |
If you feel you are owed restitution through a criminal case that you are involved with, you must inform the Police Department that assisted you or the State's Attorney's Office prior to the cases completion. In order to receive your restitution, keep all copies of any bills, receipts, insurance documentation, and estimates relating to the actual out-of-pocket expenses, losses, damages, and injuries you have incurred as a result of the defendant's criminal conduct. You will be required to make this information available to the court for review. Please keep the State's Attorney's Office informed of any addresses changes that may occur. |
Am I guaranteed my restitution? |
Unfortunately, restitution is not a guarantee. If a defendant is found not guilty, you may have to pursue restitution through civil litigation. If a defendant is found guilty but refuses to pay restitution or is unable to comply with restitution, the State's Attorney's Office will attempt enforcement procedures against the defendant. However, a defendant may be allowed to satisfy restitution through other forms of sentencing options. These sentencing options are at the discretion of the court. |
Where can I get information regarding my court ordered restitution? |
When a judge sentences a defendant in a criminal case to pay restitution, the restitution will either be ordered payable through the State's Attorney's Office or through the Department of Probation. Any questions that you may have relating to restitution should be addressed to the following agencies:
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CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides financial assistance to innocent victims of crime who have suffered physical injury.
Click here for more information
Click here for CICB application form
CRIME VICTIM NOTIFICATION REQUEST AND DEMAND FOR RIGHTS FORM (VNR)
In 1996, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation that gives victims of violent crimes the right to be notified of all court proceedings, and if the offender is incarcerated, the right to be notified of their release. If you wish to be notified, you must fill out a Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form, which may be obtained from the Washington County State's Attorney's Office. To receive a form, please call (240) 313-2000.
Click here to see a sample of VNR form
Click here to view Your Rights as a Victim in the Criminal Juvenile Justice Process Brochure (pdf format)
VICTIM INFORMATION AND NOTIFICATION EVERYDAY (VINE)
In addition to completing the Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form, victims may also register for VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday). VINE is a free service which allows crime victims across Maryland to receive automated, timely, and reliable information about criminal cases 24 hours a day - over the telephone, through the Internet, or by e-mail. Victims can also request to be notified about the current status of an inmate and can register to be notified immediately upon a change in the inmate's status, such as a release, escape, or court appearance. For more information or to register for notification please call 1-866-634-8463 or www.vinelink.com .
Click here to view VINE Brochure (pdf format)
KEEP UP INFORMED
It is very important that victims and witnesses keep the State's Attorney's Office informed of their current address and telephone number so that we can contact them about their case. If victims or witnesses move, they must call their Victim/Witness Coordinator. NOTIFY US HERE!
FOR CHILDREN
Click here for a KIDS COURT coloring book.
Page Modified11/20/09 12:08 PM