The Victim Services Unit helps crime victims, witnesses, and their families to overcome the effects of crime. We will help you understand your rights, provide information, counseling services, and overall help and support throughout the criminal justice process.
If you are the victim of a crime, you should report it as soon as you can to the St. Louis Police Department. It is also important to remember your rights as a victim. These include being present at any stage where the defendant appears; being notified of the outcome of the case; making a written or oral statement for consideration by the judge when sentencing the defendant; and to receive notification of the release of an inmate from a correctional facility. These are only a few examples. For more information, please call (314) 622-4373
What can I do if I am a victim of crime?
Every victim should report a crime to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Once the police have investigated that crime and arrested the offender, the Circuit Attorney may charge that offender with the crime.
Your rights as a victim:
Missouri Constitutional Victims’ Rights
These rights are granted automatically to all victims of dangerous felony crimes. If you were a victim of a non-dangerous, felony crime, or a victim of any misdemeanor crime, you must request in writing that your rights be observed. Mail your requests to:
Victim Services
1114 Market, Room 401
St. Louis, MO 63101
As a Victim of Crime, You Have the Right:
To receive information about the crime and decision regarding the filing of charges.
To be informed about Missouri Crime Victim Compensation, receive claim forms and apply for compensation, be informed about financial, emergency and crisis intervention services in the St. Louis Community.
To be present and heard at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such a right.
To be informed in a timely manner of court dates, continuances and final outcomes of all court hearings.
To be provided with a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
To be provided with reasonable protection from harm and/or threats.
To participate in criminal justice proceedings without being discharged or disciplined by an employer.
To be informed of procedures to apply for and receive any witness fees.
To have property returned once there is a final outcome of a case and to have a reasonable explanation if it cannot be returned.
To appear at sentencing and make an oral and/or written statement.
To be notified if the defendant escapes, is released or dies.
To be informed about restitution and to ask the defendant to pay restitution.
Important guidelines for victims:
As a crime victim, you are a witness in the prosecution of your case.
As a crime victim, you have certain responsibilities to assist with the prosecution of your case. These responsibilities may include the signing of a corroborating affidavit and providing testimony to a grand jury and at trial.
If you receive a subpoena, you are required to appear in court as specified.
You are under no obligation to speak about the facts of the case to anyone. If someone contacts you about the case, ask them to identify themselves.
When you answer a question, you must tell the truth.
If others advise you not to appear in court, or if you are threatened or harassed, immediately contact this office at (314) 622-4373. We are here to support you and help you.
What should I do if I witness a crime?
First, call the police and share the facts of the crime with them
Assist the Circuit Attorney’s Office with the case
Provide your contact information to the prosecutor
Know that you are very important to us. We appreciate your help.
