Victim Assistance
If you are intimidated or threatened with physical violence by a Defendant, contact the Police immediately!
Our Services Include:
- Providing information and help in filing for Michigan Crime Victim Compensation.
- Making referral to other community agencies for additional help.
- Giving information on how the court works and case status.
- Accompanying a victim to court, upon their request.
- Providing and assisting with Victim Impact Statements.
- Helping with the return of personal property.
- Providing information and assistance in obtaining restitution.
- Informing the community about victim’s rights.
- Emergency victim services.
Your Rights Under the Crime Victims Rights Act
You have the following rights under the Crime Victims Rights Act of 1985:
- To be notified by the policy agency of emergency and medical services.
- To be notified of victims compensation benefits and the address of the Crime Victims Compensation Board.
- To receive an explanation of the eligibility requirements and receive crime victims compensation funds, if eligible.
- To be notified of the number of the police department to contact to determine if the defendant has been released from custody.
- To have your property which was taken during the investigation promptly returned to you, except as otherwise provided by the law.
- To receive an explanation of court procedures.
- To receive an explanation of procedures to follow if threatened or intimidated by the defendant.
- To be notified of the address and telephone number of the Prosecuting Attorney who you can contact to obtain information about victim rights.
- To be present during the entire trial unless you are called to be a witness.
- To be free from threats or acts of discharge from your employer because you are subpoenaed or requested by the Prosecuting Attorney to testify in court.
- To be provided with a waiting area separate from the defender, the defendant’s relatives and witnesses, if practical.
- To consult with the Prosecuting Attorney in order to give your views about the progress and handling of the case.
- To receive the name of the person to contact within the Prosecutor’s Office for information about your case.
- To receive notice of any scheduled court proceeding and any changes in that schedule.
- To confer with the Prosecuting Attorney prior to the trial.
- To receive notice if the defendant escapes custody while awaiting trial.
- To receive written notice of the final disposition of the case.
- To receive notice of the address and telephone number of the probation department which is to prepare the pre-sentence investigation report, if one is ordered by the court.
- To have your written impact statement included in the pre-sentence report, if one is prepared.
- To make an oral impact statement to the pre-sentence report investigator.
- To make an oral impact statement at the time of sentencing in court.
- To be notified of the time and place of sentencing.
- To be notified that the defendant has filed for an appeal.
- To an explanation of the appeal process.
- To be advised if the defendant has been released on appeal bond.
- To be advised as to the time and place of Appellate Court proceedings.
LACASA Center
The LACASA Center supports and shelters victimized adults and children, educates the community, and encourages positive action
VINE Service
For information about an offender’s custody status or the status of a court case go to Michigan VINE Service or call (800) 770-7657
Contact Us to Learn More
Janice Carpenter – Victims Rights Coordinator
(517) 546-8358
