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.

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

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)

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

In Madison County, additional Victim Services, including:

Adult and child therapy are available through Help Restore Help Center, formerly Victims of Violence Services.

All victim services are provided free of charge.