Victim Witness
Victim-Witness Program
The United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Michigan, administers a program to assist the victims and witnesses of Federal crimes. Federal crimes where assistance may be provided include bank and postal robberies, child pornography, financial crimes surrounding telemarketing and investment fraud, identity theft, hate crimes, as well as homicides, sexual assault, and child abuse, if the crime occurred on federal land.
Victims' Rights
Victims have certain rights under Title 42, United States Code, the statute to 18 USC 3771 :
- To be reasonable protected from the accused;
- To reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court or parole proceeding involving the crime, as well as any release or escape of the accused;
- Not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding unless the court after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding;
- To be reasonably heard at any public proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, or parole;
- Reasonably to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case;
- To full and timely restitution as provided by law;
- To proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
- To be treated with fairness and respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.
Victims' Resources
Office for Victim of Crime
Information and resources for victims in need of assistance.
Includes a comprehensive list of toll free numbers
National Center for Victims of Crime
See “Get Help Series”
703-276-2880
National Organization for Victim Assistance
202-232-6682
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
1-800-THE LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Childhelp USA
National Child Abuse Hotline
800-422-4453
Michigan Child Protective Services
Lists protective service agencies by Michigan counties
National Domestic Violence hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233)
Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Lists resources for victims and domestic violence shelters
517-347-7000
Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board
517-373-8144
www.michigan.gov/dhs
click on domestic violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
303-839-1852
www.ncadv.org
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Hotline, crisis counseling, referrals.
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
www.rainn.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Disaster Relief Information.
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/managinganxiety
Federal Bureau of Prisons
www.bop.gov
Parents of Murdered Children
www.pomc.org
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
www.madd.org
National Eldercare
www.eldercare.gov
Senior services in Michigan
www.miseniors.net
Fraud Reporting in Michigan - contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and/or your local police department.
Michigan Attorney General’s Office
Consumer complaint directory - 877-765-8388
www.michigan.gov/ag
Identity Theft Resource Center
www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml
Federal Trade Commission Clearinghouse
Learn about identity theft and what to do if it occurs.
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Internet Fraud Information Center
Report telemarketing or internet fraud.
800-876-7060
www.fraud.org
Medicare Fraud Hotline
800-447-8477
http://www.medicare.gov/FraudAbuse/HowToReport.asp
Social Security Administration
Fraud Hotline
Social Security numbers misuse or forged checks.
800-269-0271
www.ssa.gov/oig
Securities and Exchange Commission
File or investigate a prior complaint.
202-942-8088
www.sec.gov
National Association of Securities Dealers
Discloses information, complaints on licensed brokers.
301-590-6500
www.nasdr.com
United States Postal Service
Takes reports of mail crimes.
800-654-8896
www.usps.gov
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
800-388-2227
www.nfcc.org
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Consumer information and advocacy.
619-298-3396
www.privacyrights.org
Credit Reporting Agencies - contact the following agencies to request a copy of your credit report or dispute information listed on credit report.
Equifax
www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-888-766-0008 (report fraud)
1-800-685-1111 (order credit report)
Experian, Inc.
www.esxperian.com
P.O. Box 949
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
Trans Union Corporation
www.tuc.com
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
1-800-916-8800
Michigan Crime Victim Compensation:
Provides a list of Michigan service agencies funded by this organization.
Download Crime Victim Compensation forms for eligible victims.
Adobe pdf files
FCVRA Administrative Complaint Process
For additional information regarding our office's victim-witness program, please direct written or E-mail correspondence to:
Sandy Palazzolo
Victim-Witness Specialist
U.S. Attorney's Office
211 W. Fort Street
Suite 2001
Detroit, MI 48226
Sandy.Palazzolo@usdoj.gov
Telephone: (313) 226-9100