Victim Assistance page

Victim Assistance

The Victim Assistance program assists victims of crime by providing information on the criminal justice system, victim compensation, and referral to agencies and organizations that can help them get through the ordeal of being a crime victim.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to go to all court dates?

It is your decision whether or not to attend court dates. If you receive a subpoena, you must obey the court order or you could be held in contempt of court.

Will the suspect have to pay my medical bills or property damage?

You will receive a victim impact statement from our office asking for the losses you sustained as a victim of crime, as well as input you would like to give the judge regarding sentencing. If you have not received a form, please click on the blue "victim impact statement" link above. Once you return the victim impact statement, restitution can be calculated and requested when the defendant has been found guilty or pleads guilty. If you do not return the victim impact statement, restitution will not be ordered. You may also pursue a civil case against the defendant.

When will my property that is being held for evidence be released?

When the defendant has been found guilty and sentenced, or at the end of the criminal justice process, you will receive a final disposition letter instructing you to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

How will I know the next court date?

If you are a victim of a violent crime you will receive a written notification of all critical stage court dates. If you are not a victim of a violent crime you may call the Victim Witness Unit to find out the next court date.

Rights of Victims of Violent Crimes in Colorado

Recognizing that victims are an inherent part of the criminal justice process, the voters of Colorado passed a resolution in November 1992 to include Victim Rights as part of the State's constitution. The Victim Rights Act mandates the Office of the District Attorney to provide certain information and rights to victims of violent crime. Victims have the right to be heard when relevant, informed, and present at all critical stages of the criminal justice process.

Colorado Victim Compensation Program

If you are the victim of a violent crime, you may be eligible for assistance through the Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Program. The funds for this program are collected from the fines paid by convicted defendants. Awards to victims are made by the Crime Victim Compensation Board, whose three members are local citizens appointed by the District Attorney.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a victim of a compensable crime, a relative of a victim, or a witness at the scene. A compensable crime means an intentional, knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent act of a person that results in residential property damage to or physical or psychological injury to another person or results in loss of or damage to eyeglasses, dentures or other medically necessary devices and which, if committed by a person of full legal capacity, is punishable as a crime in this state. Expanded to include careless driving resulting in death and hit and run resulting in death.

The crime must have been committed in Fremont, Park, Custer, or Chaffee counties.

The law enforcement authorities must be notified within 72 hours.

Application must be filed within one year from the date of the crime.

The victim must cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and the prosecution.

The injury or the death of the victim was not a result of the victim's wrongful act. The victim must not have provoked the injury.

If the victim has insurance, those benefits must be utilized before compensation funds can be awarded.

The Board may waive some of these requirements in the "interest of justice".

Compensable Losses Include:

Reasonable medical and dental expenses

Mental health counseling & alternatives

Replacement of prosthetic devices

Lost wages/ loss of support to dependents

Burial/funeral expenses

Outpatient care

Homemaker services

Property damage is limited to maximum of $750.00 for replacement of doors, locks or windows on residential property

Emergency assistance

Compensation does NOT cover:

Loss of money or personal property

Damaged or stolen vehicles

Pain and suffering

To apply for Crime Victim Compensation:
Phone 269-0170 or go to the District Attorney's Office at 136 Justice Center Road Room 203 in Ca�on City to obtain an application. For your convenience, you can print out an application.

last updated: 03/06/07