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VICTIM AND WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The United States Attorney's Office Middle District of Alabama is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crime are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect by properly including them in the criminal justice system. The Federal Victim/Witness Assistance Program carries out the mandates of the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, the Crime Control Act of 1990 and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

The Victim/Witness Coordinator provides a variety of notification and assistance services to victims and witnesses of federal crime.

NEW!
 Justice for All Act (PDF)
  Victims Crime Bill of Rights
  Notification Service
  Other Assistant Services
  Understanding Your Rights and the Federal Court System
  Alabama Victim Providers Directory (PDF)
  Links

Crime Victims Bill of Rights

A federal crime victim has the following rights:

    		•  The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy;
    		• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender;
    		• The right to be notified of court proceedings;
    		• The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at the trial;
    		• The right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case;
    		• The right to restitution;
    		• The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.

    Notification Services

    When a federal criminal case reaches the prosecution stage of the criminal justice process, notification services are provided concerning the status of the case involving the victim or witness. If requested by the victim or witness, the following notifications may be made:

    		•  The release of detention status of an offender pending judicial proceedings; or the placement in a pretrial diversion program, and the conditions thereof;
    		• The filing of charges against a suspected offender, or the proposed dismissal of any or all charges, including dismissal in favor of state prosecution;
    		• The scheduling, including changes and/or continuances, of each court proceeding that the victim or witness is either required to attend or entitled to attend;
    		• The terms of any negotiated plea, including the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contenders or the rendering of a verdict after trial;
    		• The opportunity to present to the court in the presentence report a victim impact statement containing information concerning any harm, including financial, social, psychological and physical harm, done to or loss suffered by the victim of the crime;
    		• The date set for sentencing if the offender is found guilty; and the sentence imposed;
    		• Entry of the victim or witness, if appropriate, into the Bureau of Prisons Victim and Witness Notification Program; and
    		• With respect to victims of violent crime and sexual abuse, the date set for sentencing and the victim's opportunity to make a statement or present any information to the court in relation to the sentence.

    Other Assistance Services

    		•  To the extent possible, provide victims and witnesses with a waiting area removed from the offender and defense witnesses during court proceedings;
    		• Provide support and assistance to victims and witnesses during court appearances or arrange for same;
    		• Upon request by a victim or witness, provide assistance in notifying the employer if cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of the crime causes his/her absence from work; and the creditors; where appropriate, if the crime or cooperation in the investigation or prosecution affects his/her ability to make timely payments;
    		• Routinely provide information or assistance concerning transportation, parking, lodging, translator and related services;
    		• Provide referrals to other agencies for shelter, counseling, compensation, and other types of assistance services where needed.

    Links

    Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission

    Office for Victims of Crime

    National Organization for Victim Assistance

    The National Center for Victims of Crime

    Office on Violence Against Women


    Contact Information

    Jackie Vickers
    Victim/Witness Coordinator
    United States Attorney's Office
    (334) 223-7280 (Office)
    (334) 328-9673 (Cell)
    (334) 223-7560 (Fax)
    Jackie.Vickers@usdoj.gov