Legal Knowledge & Laws
What rights does the Victim have?
To be treated with fairness, respect, dignity and privacy
To be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process
At the request of the victim:
Notification of court proceedings.
To be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless court determines that the victims testimony would affect the trial.
To confer with a rep. from the prosecutors office.
To restitution.
To receive information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.
.
Who do we serve?
1.Homicide
2.Kidnapping
3.Family Violence/Dating Violence
4.Assaults/Aggravated
5.Robberies (home invasions, car jacking's, aggravated robberies)
6.Sexual Assaults (adult and child)
7.Injury to child/injury to elderly
8.Vehicular Crimes (Intoxication assaults, Intoxication manslaughters, hit and runs)
9.Terroristic threat
10.* harassments, deceased person, injured persons, suicides
•Knowingly and willingly participated in crime
•Is the offender or accomplice
•Was incarcerated
•Knowingly or intentionally submits false or forged information to the Attorney Generals Office
What is defined as a close relative of a deceased person?
-the spouse of a deceased victim at the time of the victim’s death or who is a parent.
- or adult brother, sister, or child of the deceased victim
What is the role of a victim advocate?
The role of a victim advocate is to provide emotional support, information, and assistance to crime victims, helping them navigate the criminal justice system.
Can you name three different types of violent crimes?
Three different types of violent crimes are assault, robbery, and homicide
Who is defined as a Guardian of a victim?
CCP 56A.001 Guardian of a victim (5) who is the legal guardian of the victim, whether or not the legal relationship between the guardian and victim exists because of the age of the victim or the physical or mental incompetency of the victim.
Where are we located?
1100 HEMPHILL ST. FORT WORTH TX 76104
2ND FLOOR
817-392-4390
What are the amounts of Crime Victims Compensation?
Total recovery up to $50,000
6,500 for funeral
Who is defined as a VICTIM?
Defined as a person who is the victim of the offense of:
Sexual assault
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated robbery
- Trafficking of victims
or injury to a child, elderly individual,
or disabled individual
or who has suffered bodily injury
or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another
Are we allowed to be present in a Forensic Medical Examination?
Yes!
CCP ART. 56A.351 & 56A.352PRESENCE OF ADVOCATE ORREPRESENTATIVE DURING FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Before the forensic medical examination of a person who consents to collection of evidence for an
alleged sexual assault, hospital personnel shall offer the person the opportunity to have an advocate
present.
Name 2 crimes that are covered?
Sex offenses
Kidnapping
Aggravated robbery
Assaults
Sex trafficking
Homicide
Motor vehicle crimes (DWI’s, intox assaults, etc.)
Other crimes in which victim suffers physical or emotional harm or death
How do we ensure compliance?
Contact victims a.s.a.p and advise of their rights.
◊ Provide crisis intervention.
◊ Referrals to community resources for support services.
◊ Assist with application for Crime Victims Compensation.
◊ Educate about Criminal justice system and processes.
◊ Coordinate with agencies, organizations, groups and other service providers.
pliance? justice practices.
What is Notification of Rights? Name an example.
At the initial contact or at the earliest possible time after the initial contact between a victim of a reported offense and the law enforcement agency having the responsibility for investigating the offense, the agency shall provide the victim a written notice.”
◊ Info about emergency and medical services
◊ Info about Crime Victims’ Compensation
◊ Name, address and phone number of the victim assistance coordinator at the PD & DA’s office
◊ The statement: “You may call the law enforcement agency’s telephone number for the status of the
case and information about victims rights”
◊ Copy of Victim’s Rights
Possible covered costs?
Medical Costs
Counseling
Funeral Expenses
Loss of Wages
Loss of Support
For Peace Officers Loss of Wages Includes Part-time Jobs they can’t Work Due to Injuries
Child/Dependent Care
Crime Scene Cleanup
Replacement Costs for Property Seized as Evidence
Relocation for Domestic Violence and Sexual assault victims