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Victim Witness Assistance Program
The Federal Victim Witness Assistance Program carries out the mandates of the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982, the Crime Control Act of 1990 and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. As part of a team with criminal prosecutors and investigative case agents, the Victim Witness Specialist for the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina is here to assist you as you go through the criminal justice process.
The Victim Witness Specialist provides a variety of assistance to victims and witnesses of federal crime in accordance with:
- Justice For All Act of 2004
- Crime Victims Bill of Rights
- Understanding Your Rights and the Federal Court System
- Notification Service
Justice For All Act of 2004 - Crime Victims Bill of Rights
We will make our best efforts to ensure you are provided the rights described. You may seek the advice of an attorney with respect to these rights:
- 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 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 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 the law.
- The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
- The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.
Victim Notification Services
The Victim Notification Service (VNS) is a system committed to providing victims with information on case events. This free, computer-based and toll free system provides two important services to victims: information and notification.
VNS informs victims of:
- The status of the case
- Information on scheduled court hearings
- An offender’s custody status, such as placement in community corrections centers, furlough, release or death.
You must keep the victim witness specialist informed of any address or telephone number changes.
Additional Services
- A separate waiting area away from defendant and defense witnesses
- Courtroom support
- Information and assistance with travel, lodging, parking and reimbursement for mandatory court appearances.
- Referrals
For more information:
For Information Contact:
Victim/Witness Specialist
U. S. Attorney’s Office
(336) 333-5351
