Victim Witness Assistance Program
| Victims Rights | Victim Notification System (VNS) | Restitution | Identify Theft |
| Understanding the Federal Court System | Fifteen tips for Witnesses | Complaint Forms |
The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Utah, is committed to assist the victims and witnesses of Federal crimes. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is designed to ensure the needs and questions of victims and witnesses are promptly addressed, to the extent that the federal law will allow.
The “Links” listed below will provide you with some additional information. If you receive a notice from our office indicating that you will only be notified once on a case, you can continue to get updates on the “Multi-Victim Case Update” link.
The contacts for the Victim-Witness Program are listed below:
Cecelia Swainston |
Georgene Doster |
If no one is available and you need immediate assistance, you may redial (801) 524-5682 or press 0 during the voice message and ask the receptionist to give you the cell number of one of the Victim-Witness Staff.
If you wish to attend a sentencing or any court hearing, please be sure to let us know and provide information including the name of the defendant, and your phone number. Cases are often postponed at very short notice, and every effort will be made to keep you informed.
It is your responsibility to contact our office if you have a change of address during the prosecution stage and at any time after the defendant has been convicted. If you were awarded restitution it is your responsibility to notify the court with your change of address at 801-524-6143
Victims' Rights
A crime victim has the following rights:
(1) The right to be reasonably protected from the accused; (2)The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime, or of the release or escape of the accused; (3) The right not to be excluded from any public court proceeding, unless the court determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the victim’s testimony would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding; (4) The right to be reasonably heard at any public court proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, and at any parole proceeding; (5) The reasonable right to confer with the government attorney on the case; (6) The right to full and timely restitution as provided by law; (7) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and (8) The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.
We hope that this information helps you understand your rights, we do not represent you personally, and however, you do have the right to seek the advice of an attorney regarding any of the rights outlined on this web site.
Victim Notification Systems (VNS)
VNS is a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), THE United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Attorneys’ Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
This free, computer-based system provides important information to victims. In many cases you will receive letters generated through VNS containing information about the events pertaining to any defendants in the case. A brochure is available for more information.
Identify Theft
If you are a victim of identity theft...
- Check your accounts.
- Contact all creditors and financial institutions.
- Place a fraud alert on your social security number, and obtain a copy of your credit report.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-438-4338 or go to their web site at www.ftc.gov/idtheft. This site will give you detailed information on what you need to file.
- Run your credit report quarterly.
- Contact one of the three companies to place an alert.
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241.
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742, P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013.
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92864-6790.
- Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you’re entitled to order free copies of your credit reports, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your SSN will appear on your credit reports.
- Report a ID Theft Crime - Utah Identity Theft Reporting Information System (I.R.I.S).This site gives victims step-by-step directions on how to repair their credit and resolve other problems caused by ID theft.
Complaint Forms
- Complaint Form in English (.pdf)
- Forma de la quja en Español (.pdf)
