Q: What compensation is available to victims of crime?
A: Victims of crime who suffer from physical injuries as a result of the crime may be eligible for state compensation to cover medical expenses, psychological counseling, partial loss of earnings, or funeral expenses which were incurred as a result of their victimization. Qualifications for Criminal Injuries Compensation are:
- The crime occurred in Virginia and resulted in physical injury or death.
- The crime was reported to law enforcement within 120 hours after it happened unless good cause for delay is shown.
- The victim cooperated with law enforcement and was willing to prosecute in court.
- The value of the claim, not paid by other sources, must be at least $100.00.
- The crime did not involve a motor vehicle accident unless it was a result of a violation of the Drunk Driving Statute or the injuries were intentionally inflected.
If you meet this criteria, please contact the Norfolk Victim-Witness Assistance Program or:
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
11513 Allecingie Parkway
Richmond, VA 23235
1-800-552-4007
Q: What if I am threatened to drop the charges or not testify?
A: Such a person is obstructing justice and is committing a crime. Contact the prosecutor handling your case and the law enforcement officer in charge of your case immediately.
Q: What if the defense attorney contacts me about the case?
A: You have no duty to discuss the case with a defendant's attorney. You should immediately contact and inform the prosecutor handling your case if the defendant or his/her attorney contacts you directly.
Q: How long until a prosecutor is assigned to my case?
A: A prosecutor will normally be assigned to a case after an investigative report is received from the Norfolk Police Department or other law enforcement agency investigating the case. This is usually between two weeks and one month after the date of the incident.
Q: How do I find out who the prosecutor is for my case?
A: You can call our Main Office at 664-4444 and request that information.
Q: When does the Commonwealth Attorney's Office handle domestic violence misdemeanors?
A: The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes most domestic violence cases.
Q: What is a preliminary hearing?
A: It is a scheduled court event with testimony under oath. The judge, defendant, defendant's attorney, the prosecutor and any victims or witnesses subpoenaed are present. The prosecutor must prove to the judge that there is enough evidence to show that a crime has been committed (known as probable cause). The prosecutor will put on minimal evidence sufficient to justify further proceedings. If the prosecution establishes probable cause, the victim is usually required to testify, and the case is certified to the Grand Jury.
Q: What resources are available in the community?
A: Please contact the Victim-Witness Office for information and referrals with regard to this at 664-4850.
Q: Who pays for travel expenses for a victim or witness who is no longer in the Tidewater area?
A: The Commonwealth of Virginia will reimburse certain travel expenses for victims or witnesses provided the following conditions are met:
- The victim or witness(es) is subpoenaed by the Commonwealth's Attorney Office.
- The victim or witness travels more than fifty (50) miles in one direction to appear in court.
- The travel reimbursement has been approved by the prosecutor assigned to the case and arrangements are made through the Victim-Witness Office.
If you have any questions concerning travel or the reimbursement of travel expenses, please contact Ms. Stacy J. Owens at 664-4850.
If you have a question that you do not see here and would like to ask us something, please feel free to visit our directory and send your question directly to our office via e-mail. Be sure to include your name, a return e-mail address, and a phone number. Thank you.