Victim / Witness Assistance Program

Victim / Witness Assistance Program

Providing services to crime victims and
witnesses

A VICTIM'S BILL OF RIGHTS

Victims and Witnesses have a right:

• To be treated with dignity and compassion.
• To be protected from intimidation and harm.
• To be informed about the criminal justice process.
• To be notified of parole decisions.

Crime victims may experience problems and disruptions that require
special attention and support. The District Attorney's Victim / Witness
Program is committed to providing every possible benefit, service and
courtesy available to crime victims and witnesses.

THE PROGRAM

The California Victim / Witness Assistance Program is a statewide effort
to provide support services to victims and witnesses of crime.

SERVICES

The Victim / Witness Assistance Program provides basic services that
include the following:

• Counseling Services: Crisis intervention and follow-up counseling for
  emotional, personal, and financial problems resulting from the crime.
• Referral to social service agencies, counselors and others who can
  assist with personal problems.
• Orientation to the Criminal Justice System and information about the
  status of the court case and victims' rights in court.
• Property Recovery of personal items that are being held as evidence.
• Court escort to attend court with you and provide emotional support.
• Other Services include: Employer intervention, parole notification,
  technical assistance and consultation to individuals, to the community,
  and to professional agencies. We will also assist you in filing claims
  with the Victims of Crime Restitution Fund.

VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION

The California Victim Compensation Program, was established to provide
financial reimbursement to victims of crime who suffer unreimbursed
financial losses due to physical/emotional injury as a direct result of a
crime. This program is funded by fines and penalties assessed by the courts
and deposited in the Restitution Fund.

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION IF:

•  You are injured as a result of a violent crime. 
•  You depend on the victim for support. 
•  You pay the medical or burial expenses of a victim who dies as a
  result of a crime. 
•  You are a member of the family of a victim who is injured or
  murdered, and you need counseling as a result of the crime.  

REQUIREMENTS:

•  You must file an application within one year of the crime. 
•  You must report the crime to the police and cooperate with them
  in the investigation and prosecution of the case. 
•  Your actions must not have contributed to the crime. 

The County of El Dorado Victim's Assistance Program has been helping
crime victims since 1980. If you need more information on Victim's Rights or
how to file a claim with the Victims of Crime Compensation, call your local
Victim/Witness Assistance Program Center.

Placerville: (530) 642-4760

County of El Dorado District Attorney

515 Main Street

Placerville, CA 95667

Sue Meyer, Program Coordinator

sue.meyer@edcgov.us

South Lake Tahoe: (530) 573-3100

County of El Dorado District Attorney

1360 Johnson Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Sue Meyer, Program Coordinator

sue.meyer@edcgov.us