Victim Witness Assistance
As a crime victim, you have the following rights under 18 United States Code § 3771: (1) The right to be reasonably protected from the accused; (2) 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; (3) 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; (4) The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding; (5) The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case; (6) The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law; (7) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; (8) The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy. (9) The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement. (10) The right to be informed of the rights under this section and the services described in section 503(c) of the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 10607(c)) and provided contact information for the Office of the Victims' Rights Ombudsman of the Department of Justice. We will make our best efforts to ensure you are accorded the rights described. You also have the right to seek the advice of an attorney concerning these rights and your assertion of these rights in federal district court. Be advised that the law does not require providing information that may endanger the safety of any person. |
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky is committed to ensuring that federal crime victims are afforded all rights and services to which they are entitled by law and they are treated with fairness and respect throughout the federal criminal justice system.
When a federal criminal case reaches the prosecution stage of the criminal justice process, notification services are provided concerning the status of the case involving the victim. Victims are notified of all case events through the Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS). Our Victim Assistance personnel provide guidance and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process.
Jenny Parker is the Victim Assistance Coordinator and questions may be directed to her by email, Jenny.Parker@usdoj.gov, or by telephone, 859-685-4906.
Restitution
Restitution is the court order for the convicted offender to reimburse victims for losses incurred due to the crime. Under federal law, restitution is mandatory for many types of crimes. Restitution ordered in criminal cases does not cover pain and suffering. As a practical matter, restitution collection is limited by the resources of the defendant. While there is no guarantee that payment will be made, it is important for those victims who may be entitled to restitution to keep a record of their losses, medical expenses, property damage, and counseling expenses, with receipts when possible. This information will be needed by the probation department if someone is convicted and ordered to pay restitution.
Restitution collection is enforced by the Financial Litigation Program at the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Resources for Victims of Crime
Kentucky Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund
https://www.kyjustice.org/topics/victims-crime/kentucky-crime-victims-compensation-fund
(502) 782-8255
USDOJ: Find Help and Information for Crime Victims
https://www.justice.gov/action-center/find-help-and-information-crime-victims
USDOJ: Office of the Victims' Rights Ombudsman
www.justice.gov/usao/eousa/vr
USDOJ: Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator
https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/
National Organization of Victim Assistance
www.trynova.org
(800) TRY-NOVA
(800) 879-6682
National Center for Victims of Crime
https://www.victimconnect.org
1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
Office for Victims of Crime
www.ojp.usdoj/ovc
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
www.missingkids.com
(800) 843-5678
Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
www.nfcc.org
(800) 388-2227
National Fraud Information Center
www.fraud.org
(800) 876-7060
National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://www.justice.gov/ovw/sexual-assault
1-800-656-HOPE