The Victim Assistance Program is a vital component of the FBI's comprehensive criminal investigative efforts. The FBI is mandated by the Crime Control Act of 1990, and the Attorney General Guidelines, and FBI policy to identify and assist all victims of federal crime where the FBI is the primary investigative agency. The Victim Specialist is the designee responsible for coordinating services for victims and also acts as a liaison to federal, state, and local victim-witness service organizations and programs.
The FBI Victim Specialist
will assure that each victim of a federal crime is informed of their rights:
• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your 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 your testimony would be materially affected if you heard other testimony at 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.
Victim Specialists can provide information and referral for financial help
or support services for needs resulting from violent crimes.
State compensation programs may pay for medical and mental health care costs, lost wages and support, and funeral and burial expenses not covered by insurance or other benefits.
Local victim assistance and social service agencies offer a variety of services to help crime victims, such as crisis intervention, counseling, and emotional support.
If an offender is convicted, the court may order payment by the offender, called restitution, which may help cover expenses and losses caused by your victimization.
Victim Specialists will assure that each victim of a federal crime is informed of case status.
Each victim will be entered into the Department of Justice's National Victim Notification System (VNS). This system is a cooperative effort between the FBI, United States Attorneys' offices, and the Bureau of Prisons. VNS provides two important services to victims: information and notification, available in English or Spanish.
VNS can inform victims of:
• An offender's custody status, such as arrest, bail, bond, furlough, release or death.
• Information on whether the case is declined for prosecution, or whether the case is being referred to state or local authorities, or scheduled court hearings.
The FBI recognizes that victims may experience anger, confusion, frustration, fear, or other reactions as a result of the crime. Many victims have questions and problems that often arise during an investigation. Our Victim Assistance Program is available to assist in answering those questions and getting those problems solved.
For more information,
contact
VS Dorothy L. Montgomery @ 210.302.8601