• Keeping that victim informed about the case as it proceeds through the system;
• Informing the victim about his/her rights;
• Providing information on property recovery;
• Assisting victims in filing Crime-Victim Compensation forms, when applicable;
• Providing referrals to appropriate social service agencies;
• Providing a Court Escort to victims whose cases are going to trial;
• Offering free crisis counseling.

The Victim Services Unit is open

Monday through Friday	9:00am-8:00pm
Saturday	10:00am-1:00pm, later if necessary

Anyone, who has been the victim of a crime, is encouraged to seek assistance.

• Reasonable protection for victims/witnesses from harm and/or threats.
• Be informed about financial assistance, social services, and victim compensation.
• Receive information about the status of the case.
• Be present at all Criminal Justice proceedings at which the defendant has such a right; be provided with a secure waiting area during a court proceeding.
• Be informed, in a timely manner, of court dates, continuances and final dispositions.
• Have stolen property returned as soon as possible.
• Be informed of procedures to apply for and receive any witness fees.
• Receive restitution, when possible.
• Participate in Criminal Justice proceedings without being discharged/disciplined by an employer.
• Appear at a sentencing and make an oral/written statement.
• Notified, if the defendant escapes, is released, or dies.
• Notified of any witness fees available, and procedures required to receive such fees.

1. Assistance in:  property recovery, with Victim Compensation claims, in preparation of a Victim Impact statement.
2. Clothing for courtroom appearances.
3. Crisis counseling.
4. Free: lunch program; babysitting reimbursement, parking at Savvis Center garage, wage reimbursement (all during trials only).
5. Employer intervention.
6. Lodging for out-of-town victim/witnesses.
7. Notification of final disposition of cases and about victim rights.
8. Personal case manager to provide information/escort to court.
9. Referrals to appropriate social service agencies and stress management services.
10. Safe and comfortable waiting room.
11. Speech interpreters for deaf or foreign language victims.
12. Taxi cab transportation for crisis counseling.
13. Victim/witness relocation (must qualify).

1. Dress neatly.
2. Stay calm. The object is to tell what you know, and tell it truthfully.
3. Be courteous to the judge, the prosecutor and the defense attorney.
4. Listen carefully to the questions. If you do not understand a question, say so. Do not let anyone put words into your mouth.
5. Take your time. Think carefully before answering a question.
6. Speak clearly and loudly enough for the judge, attorneys, and jury to hear you.
7. Answer the questions directly. Do not give information that is not asked of you.
8. When an attorney makes an objection, stop speaking and wait for the judge to make a ruling before continuing to answer.
9. Do not guess. Tell only what you know.
10. The most important rule is to TELL THE TRUTH.

What is a Victim Impact Statement?

It is a method by which victims of crime can communicate their feelings to the court. This is most often done in the form of a letter, written to the sentencing judge, which expresses how a particular crime has affected the victim.

Who can write a Victim Impact Statement?

Any victim, family member or friend, who was affected by the crime, can submit it. The letter should contain information on any physical and emotional injuries, any financial loss incurred, what type of punishment the defendant should receive and, anything else important for the judge to know.

Legally, the victim has the opportunity to appear in person on sentencing day and speak to the judge directly. The victim has three options in this matter:

1. Submit a letter to the sentencing judge,
2. Appear in person, on sentencing day, and speak directly to the judge, and
3. Submit a letter and appear in person on sentencing day.

When should a Victim Impact Statement be written?

Although it takes some time for the sentencing process to occur, the letter can be written at anytime. At the sentencing, the judge will make all decisions regarding the time allowed for oral impact statements and how many people can make them.

If the victim decides to write a letter, Victim Services can give it to the judge or prosecutor within a week prior to the sentencing date.

Compensation for Losses...
Restitution
Your private insurance may provide coverage for personal injury/property loss due to a crime. If the defendant is placed on probation or parole, the court may order the offender to pay restitution/cost for injuries, damages or loss. Restitution by the defendant is not guaranteed but, Victim Services will make every effort to get it paid.

• Hospital or doctor bills.
• Counseling fees.
• Funeral/burial expenses.
• Loss of wages as the result of physical injury or death.

• Victims of an injury or death occurring in Missouri.
• Victims who have filed a police report about the incident within 48 hours.
• Victims who have cooperated with police and prosecution.
• Victims who file their claims within 1 year of the crime.

For minor civil disputes, such as small sums of money, a victim should consider filing a suit in Small Claims Court, (314) 622-4434. An attorney is not required to file this type of suit.

If Convicted
The person convicted will either be placed on probation or sent to a Missouri penitentiary. You can testify or present a statement at the parole hearings, if the defendant is sent to the penitentiary. All parole hearings are held in Jefferson City. It is your responsibility to notify the Attorney General's Office of your new address, if you move before the defendant is released from jail or probation.

Attorney General's Office

Supreme Court Building

P. O. Box 899

Jefferson City, MO 65102

(573) 751-3321

AND

Missouri Department of Corrections

Victim Services

2729 Plaza Drive

Jefferson City, MO 65102

(573) 751-2389