Victim/Witness Assistance Program

The Alpine County's Victim/Witness Assistance Program offers a wide variety of assistance to victims and witnesses of crime. Trained advocates can provide support through the court process and will keep you informed about the status of a criminal case. Advocates may also assist victims with submitting requests for restitution, filing claims for Victims of Crime compensation, and much more.

Funding for the Victim/Witness program comes entirely through fines and penalties levied against defendants.

Call us if:

• You would like an explanation of the court process;
• You want to know the status of your case or when the defendant may be released from jail or prison;
• You are nervous about testifying in court and want someone to go with you;
• You need transportation to a court appearance;
• You would like information about restitution (making the defendant pay for your losses) or about the Victims of Crime Compensation claim process;
• You want help preparing a Victim Impact Statement;
• You need referrals to local agencies that may be able to provide emergency financial help, shelter, or counseling assistance;
• You need a Temporary Restraining Order against domestic violence; or
• You have any questions about the Victim/Witness Program.

Services::

Services offered through the Victim/Witness Assistance Program are described in a special statute, Penal Code §13835.5. These include:

• Crisis Intervention;
• Emergency Assistance;
• Referrals to Community Resources;
• Information/Orientation To the Criminal Justice System;
• Court Accompaniment;
• Assistance with Temporary Protective Orders;
• Assistance Submitting a Victims Of Crime (VOC) Claim;
• Restitution Assistance, and More!

Victims of Crime Compensation Program::

The California Victims of Crime Compensation Program was created to lessen the financial impact of crime on qualifying victims. This program is a "payer of last resort" for victims' out-of-pocket (non-reimbursed) losses, and applies only where the crime involved physical injury or threat of injury. In addition, the crime must have occurred in California, or to a California resident, and the victim cannot have been a participant in the crime. Expenses covered may include medical or dental costs; lost wages; funeral expenses; relocation costs, etc. NOTE: Property losses are not covered under the Victims of Crime Compensation Program.

For more information and applications, go to www.boc.ca.gov or call (800) 777-9229. Your local Victim/Witness advocate can also help you in submitting a claim.

We are located in the Alpine County District Attorney's Office, next door to the Library.