US v. ALLAN LOHRMAN, et al Sentencing Dates: *Sentencing hearings begin at 10:00 AM |
US v. TED MURRAY, et al Sentencing Dates: *Sentencing hearings begin at 9:00 AM |
US v. JOHN N. EHRMAN Indictment Press Release 7/13/07 Sentencing 10-27-09 at 12:00 PM |
The Victim and Witness
Protection Act, along with subsequent legislation, was enacted to enhance
and protect the necessary role of crime victims and witnesses involved
in the criminal justice system. The role of the Victim Witness Division
is to ensure that victims and witnesses of Federal crime, who have suffered
physical, financial, or emotional trauma, are informed of their rights
and will receive the assistance and protection to which they are entitled
under the law.
The Victim Witness Division, comprised of a Victim Witness Coordinator
in the Houston Office, and Victim Witness Specialists in two of the branch
offices, provide a variety of services and assistance to victims and witnesses
encountering the federal system. One of the functions of the unit is to
provide education regarding the criminal justice process and its participants.
Victim Witness staff can also notify victims and witnesses of case events,
is able to provide courtroom orientation, and can accompany victims to
court proceedings if desired. Financial assistance to attend trial court
proceedings are also among the many services available to victims and
witnesses.
Victims of crime may often experience fear, uncertainty, frustration, and even anger as a result of an offense. Victim Witness Staff are available to aid victims in addressing the many feelings and emotions that may occur. Staff members are also able to assist victims in exercising their rights as a crime victim, address specific concerns and/or dilemmas that have transpired as a result of the offense, and provide community referrals to support groups and/or counseling programs.
Both victims and witnesses serve a vital role in the prosecution of federal offenses. Without their assistance, prosecuting federal offenders may often prove difficult. The goal of the Victim Witness Division is to ensure that victims and witnesses of federal offenses are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect , and that their privacy is respected, throughout their encounters with the Federal criminal justice system.
Justice for All Act
Complaint Form (English)
Complaint Form (En Espanol)
Kesha Handy,
Victim Witness Coordinator
US Attorney's Office
PO Box 61129
Houston, Texas 77208
Telephone: 713-567-9335
Kesha.Handy@usdoj.gov