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VICTIM-WITNESS COORDINATOR |
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VICTIM-WITNESS COORDINATOR
The
Lee County State's Attorney's Office is committed to providing victims and
witnesses with information and support during their experience with the
Criminal Justice System. We do this through the services of the
Victim-Witness Coordinator. In order for the Victim-Witness Coordinator to
provide services effectively he/she must respond in a timely fashion to
victim's needs, have knowledge regarding the Criminal Justice System and the
Illinois Victims Bill of Rights and be familiar with local law enforcement
and social service agencies. The Lee County State's Attorney directs the
responsibilities of this position.
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SERVICES PROVIDED?
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Information - we answer victims and witnesses questions
about the Criminal Justice System and their specific cases.
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Notification - we notify victims by phone or letter when
a case has been filed. Victims are also provided with the status of the
case as it moves through the system.
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Restitution - we assist victims in completing
restitution forms to compensate for their financial loss as a result of
being victimized.
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Victim Compensation Application - we offer victims
assistance and information in completing these forms.
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Protection - we assist in obtaining Orders of
Protections or no contact conditions.
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Court Advocacy - we support victims if they wish to
attend any court proceedings.
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Secure waiting areas - we provide victims and witnesses
a waiting area that is separate from the defendants as they are waiting
to testify in criminal proceedings.
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Provide Emotional Support
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Social Service Referrals
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Arrange Transportation
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Victim Impact Statements - we inform victims of their
right to make a statement a sentencing and are offered assistance in
completing their statement.
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Employer/School Intervention
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Post Trial Information - we notify victims of a
defendant's appeal or release from prison or the county jail.
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Community Education
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Victim Impact Panel - defendants sentenced for driving
under the influence must attend this program. Panelist members consist
of individuals whose lives have been altered as a result of a driving
while intoxicated.
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Assist attorneys in preparing victims and witnesses for
trial.
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WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AS A VICTIM?
Under Section 8.1 of Article I
in the Illinois Constitution, crime victims, shall have the following
rights:
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The right to be treated with fairness and respect for
their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process.
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The right to notification of court proceedings.
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The right to communicate with the prosecution.
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The right to make a statement to the court at
sentencing.
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The right to information about the conviction, sentence,
imprisonment and release of the accused.
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The right to the timely disposition of the case
following the arrest of the accused.
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The right to be reasonably protected from the accused
through the criminal justice process.
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The right to be present at the trial and all other court
proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is to
testify and the court determines that the victim's testimony would be
materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.
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The right to have present at all court proceedings,
subject to the rules of evidence, and advocate or other support person
of the victim's choice.
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The right of restitution.
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WHAT IS RESTITUTION?
The Victim-Witness Coordinator
assists in the financial reimbursement of victims who have suffered
out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a criminal offense. Restitution will
cover out-of-pocket expenses, losses, damages, and injuries suffered by the
victims as a result of defendant's actions.
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AM I GUARANTEED RESTITUTION?
Not all restitution is guaranteed.
For instance if a defendant is found not guilty, you will have to pursue
restitution through civil litigation.
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HOW QUICKLY WILL I RECEIVE RESTITUTION?
Unfortunately, restitution does not
always come when a defendant pleads guilty. There is normally a date given
to the defendant by which all payments must be made. In some cases a
defendant found guilty may refuse to pay or is unable to comply with
restitution. The State's Attorney will attempt enforcement procedures
against the defendant. If the defendant is unable to fulfill the restitution
other forms of sentencing may be considered and will be done at the
discretion of the court.
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