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.