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·
If I want to
file criminal charges against someone, how do I do it?
o
If the crime
happened within a city’s limits, you must contact the police
department there to file a report. If the crime happened
outside the city limits, the sheriff’s department for that
county needs to be contacted. This report will then be
investigated and sent to the District Attorney’s Office for
prosecution.
·
I am a crime
victim. When my case goes to trial, do I have to be in the
same waiting area as the defendant and his family?
o
No, the
District Attorney’s Office will provide a safe, comfortable
place during court proceedings.
·
As a
witness, do I have to testify in front of the defendant in
court?
o
Yes, the
defendant has a constitutional right to be present during
testimony of any witness, with the possible exception of
small children.
·
Can I be
compensated for my efforts as a witness?
o
No, the only
time a witness will receive compensation is when they
require travel expenses for having to travel to the county
where the trial is being held.
·
Will I be
contacted prior to disposition of my case?
o
The
prosecutor assigned to your case will contact you before the
defendant’s first appearance in court. After that,
arrangements will be made regarding future contact. The
prosecutor or investigator will keep you informed about the
status of the case, and will advise you of a trial setting
or other disposition.
·
I was the
victim of a violent crime and need assistance with paying
medical, funeral, mental health, income, or other related
losses. Where can I get this assistance?
o
You may
qualify for assistance from the Crime Victims’ Compensation
Program. You can get an application for the Crime Victims’
Compensation from the District Attorney’s Office. Upon
completion, return it to the office of the Attorney General
in Austin, Texas. The Attorney General’s Office will approve
or deny any claim.
·
How do I
apply for Crime Victims’ Compensation?
o
Law
enforcement agencies in Texas are required to provide
victims of crime with information regarding the Crime
Victims’ Compensation Program and application. If you need
one of the forms or you need assistance completing it,
please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in the
Wichita County DA’s Office.
·
How do I
find out when a particular prisoner will be released from
prison?
o
You can
register with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
Victim Services Division by calling 1-800-848-4284. The
District Attorney’s Office will send you a Victim Impact
Statement, and after you have completed this form it will be
sent to TDCJ, Victim Impact Services Division. Thereafter,
they will notify you of any changes in the defendant’s
status in state prison. To get this information regarding
prisoners being held in county jail, you can register for
the
Texas V.I.N.E. program. |
