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Victim Witness Assistance


Victim Witness Assistance Program

The United States Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program was developed to ensure that victims of federal crimes are treated with fairness and respect as they journey through the federal criminal justice system. This program carries out the mandates of the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990, the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990, the Justice for All Act of 2004 and other victim related legislation. These victim/witness assistance and protection laws apply to all victims and witnesses of federal crime who have suffered physical, financial, or emotional trauma.

The Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina (WDNC) is committed to insuring that federal crime victims are afforded all rights to which they are entitled by law. In addition, the Office of the United States Attorney for the WDNC will insure that victims and witnesses are treated with compassion, respect, and fairness. The Victim Witness Specialists for our district provide assistance to victims and witnesses of federal crimes while they are involved with the criminal justice system. Services provided to crime victims and witnesses by the U.S. Attorney’s Office include:

  • Referrals to counseling, medical and other social services
  • Court accompaniment
  • Special services for child victims, the elderly, and handicapped victims
  • Crime victims compensation claims assistance
  • Assistance with completing victim impact statements
  • Assistance with travel and lodging for out of town witnesses
  • Support witnesses throughout court proceedings
  • Assistance with restitution issues

Questions concerning federal crime victims’ and witnesses’ rights or information regarding the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Program can be addressed to:                    

Shirley L. Rutledge, Victim Witness Coordinator
U.S. Attorney's Office
227 West Trade Street, Ste. 1650
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 344-6222
Fax: (704) 344-6629
Email Address: shirley.rutledge@usdoj.gov
 
Lynne W. Crout, Victim Witness Coordinator
U.S. Attorney's Office
100 Otis Street, Room 233
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 271-4661
Fax: (828) 271-4670
Email Address: lynne.crout@usdoj.gov
 

 

Our toll-free number is 844-625-9886

Victim and Witness Resources and Links:
Victim Rights
  • Federal crime victims have the following rights under the Justice for All Act (18 U.S.C. § 3771):
  • The right to be reasonably protected from the accused;
  • The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused;
  • The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement;
  • The right to be informed of CVRA rights and VVRA services and to be provided contact information for victims' Rights Ombudsman.
  • The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding;
  • The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving the release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding;
  • The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case;
  • The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law;
  • The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; and
  • The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.

 

We will make our best efforts to ensure victims are accorded the rights described. Victims may seek the advice of an attorney with respect to these rights. 

Indicted Case Updates

Click Here to view events related to United States v. Brown


Click Here to view events related to United States v. Magana


Click Here to view events related to United States v. Okomba


Click here to view events related to United States v. Hough


Click here to view events related to United States v. Perry et al.

 


 

 

 

Updated September 20, 2023