Victim Assistance

The Victim Assistance advocates in the City Attorney’s Office provide information, advocacy and general support to victims of crime, particularly crimes being prosecuted by the City Attorney’s Office.

Definitions

A victim is a person who has suffered financial, social, psychological or physical harm as a result of a crime and, in the case of a homicide, a member of the immediate family of the victim.

A criminal defendant is a person charged with a crime. A criminal defendant is not considered a victim.

What We Do

• Provide general information about the criminal justice system
• Maintain a system of notification to keep victims updated on their cases and advised of the final disposition
• Assist with determining restitution
• Assist with the return of property being held for evidence
• Assist with Crime Victims’ Compensation applications (applications can be downloaded at www.doj.state.or.us/crimev/comp.shtml)
• Accompany victims to court when requested
• Provide referrals to outside agencies, such as social services and community services

Restitution: The amount of money ordered by the court to repay the victim and/or insurance company for financial losses caused directly by the commission of the crime. The defendant is responsible for paying restitution.

Victim Notification

Victim Assistance advocates identify the victim(s) in a crime and send a written notice of the charges filed, a loss form for requesting restitution from the defendant, a form for requesting to be present at the sentencing, and a brochure which provides general information about the criminal justice system and the Victim Assistance program.

Follow-up written notifications are sent at important steps in the case, such as a trial setting or guilty plea. At the close of the case, a summary of the sentence is sent to the victim.

Crime Victims’ Rights

Criminal Case Overview

Restitution

Victim Assistance

What We Don’t Do