Victim Information

Victim's Rights

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

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

Additionally... certain individuals who are the victims of a crime 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 of crime who were physically injured as a result of the crime
  • Victims of crime who are under 18, 60 and over, or disabled, who were not physically injured
  • Certain relatives and dependants, including surviving spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, stepparent or person primarily dependent on the victim for support
  • Those who paid for or incurred burial costs for an innocent crime victim
  • Child victims, a child who witnesses a crime, and the child's parent, stepparent, grandparent, guardian, brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister
  • Certain victims of unlawful imprisonment or kidnapping
  • Certain stalking victims
  • Victims of terrorist acts outside of the US who are a resident of New York State
  • Victims of frivolous lawsuits brought by a person who committed a crime against the victim

Expenses That May Be Compensated

What kinds of expenses may I get compensated for?

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

The specific expenses CVB may cover include:

  • Medical and counseling expenses
  • Loss or damage of essential personal property (up to $500, including $100 for cash)
  • Burial/funeral expenses (up to $6,000)
  • Lost wages or lost support (up to $30,000)
  • Transportation (necessary court appearances for prosecution)
  • 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

Additional information, including the forms needed to seek compensation, can be obtained by contacting the NYS Crime Victims Board.

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

Additional Victim Services

In Madison County, additional Victim Services, including:

  • 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 Help Center, formerly Victims of Violence Services.

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

All victim services are provided free of charge.