Victim Information

Victim's Rights

As a victim of a crime in New York State, you have the right:

  • To be treated with dignity and respect
  • To be informed about the criminal justice system
  • To discuss your case with the District Attorney and participate in certain stages of the process
  • To request restitution
  • To prepare a victim impact statement for the Court and, if a felony, to speak at sentencing
  • To be protected from threats or intimidation by the suspect or their family
  • To be notified of the defendant's incarceration status

Certain victims may be eligible for compensation from the New York State Crime Victims Board.

Eligibility for Compensation

Who may be eligible for compensation?

  • The victim must be an innocent victim of the crime
  • Victims who were physically injured
  • Victims under 18, 60 and over, or disabled, even if not physically injured
  • Certain relatives and dependents of the victim (e.g., spouse, child, parent, sibling, stepfamily, or those primarily dependent on the victim for support)
  • Individuals who paid burial costs for an innocent victim
  • Child victims and witnesses, and their parent/guardian/close family members
  • Victims of unlawful imprisonment or kidnapping
  • Certain stalking victims
  • Victims of terrorist acts outside the U.S. who are New York residents
  • Victims of frivolous lawsuits brought by a person who committed a crime against them

Expenses That May Be Compensated

The Crime Victims Board (CVB) offers compensation related to personal injury, death, and loss of essential property. Specific expenses may include:

  • Medical and counseling expenses
  • Loss or damage of essential property (up to $500, including $100 for cash)
  • Burial/funeral expenses (up to $6,000)
  • Lost wages or support (up to $30,000)
  • Transportation for necessary court appearances
  • Occupational/vocational rehabilitation
  • Use of domestic violence shelters
  • Crime scene clean-up (up to $2,500)
  • Good Samaritan property losses (up to $5,000)
  • Moving expenses (up to $2,500)

Contact the NYS Crime Victims Board

For additional information, including the forms needed to seek compensation, contact the NYS Crime Victims Board:

  • NYS Crime Victims Board
  • Phone: 800-247-8035
  • TTY: 888-289-9747
  • Sorenson Videophone: 518-457-8727
  • Available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional Victim Services

In Madison County, additional victim services include:

  • 24-hour hotline
  • Safe dwelling
  • Crisis and short-term counseling
  • Information and referrals
  • Support, accompaniment, and advocacy with legal/medical proceedings
  • Support groups
  • NYS Crime Victims assistance
  • Assistance with Family Court petitions
  • Adult and child therapy

Contact Restore Help Center

Adult and child therapy are available through Help Restore Hope Center (formerly Victims of Violence Services):

  • Liberty Resources, Inc.
  • 218 Liberty Street, Oneida, New York 13421
  • Phone: 315-363-0048
  • 24-hour Hotline: 315-366-5000 (collect calls accepted)

All victim services are provided free of charge.