Victim and Witness Services
After charges are filed in a federal criminal case, Victim-Witness Specialists provide certain services to victims and witnesses.
- Notify victims about public court proceedings such as indictments, arraignments, trial dates, continuances, plea agreements, trial outcomes and sentencing.
- Provide information to victims about the Victim Notification System (VNS) Call Center and Web site.
- Provide information about victims' rights under federal law.
- Provide information about federal court procedures and the criminal justice process.
- Notify subpoenaed witnesses of changes in court dates or times.
- Make travel and lodging arrangements for court appearances by non-local witnesses.
- Arrange for direct government payment of certain witness transportation and lodging expenses.
- Process vouchers for witness court attendance fees and reimbursement of allowable expenses.
Upon request, Victim-Witness Specialists may also:
- Accompany victims to court proceedings.
- Arrange for victims to speak at release, plea and sentencing hearings.
- Provide restitution information to victims.
- Supply victims with Victim Impact Statement and Financial Loss forms and these forms. Also, these forms can be obtained from the U.S. Probation Office.
- Refer victims to social service programs and other community resources.
- Notify employers and creditors of a victim's or witness's role in a criminal prosecution.
- Arrange court-related assistance for child victims and witnesses.
- Arrange for on-the-spot disbursements of travel expense monies for indigent witnesses.