Victim Witness Assistance
The United States Attorney's Office is committed to providing support and information to victims and witnesses involved in various stages of civil and criminal litigation. A primary goal is to ensure that victims of crime are treated fairly, with dignity and respect for their privacy. Our staff works together to make sure the victims are informed of the status of cases and to help victims find services to assist them in recovering from the effects of being victimized.
Federal Crime Victims' Rights
After charges have been filed in federal court, victims of the charges filed are entitled to the following rights, according to the Crime Victims’ Rights 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. However, be advised that the law does not require providing information that may endanger the safety of any person.
- 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 law. The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
- 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.
- The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement.
- 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.
The toll-free number for victims/witnesses is (888) 368-5067.
Compensation
State of Indiana Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Program
If you are the victim of a violent crime, you may be eligible for compensation through this fund. Requirements include: the crime must have taken place in the state of Indiana, it must have been reported to law enforcement within 48 hours of its occurrence unless a good reason exists for it not to have been reported, the victim or survivors must have been cooperative in the investigation of the crime and application for benefits must be filed no later than 180 days after the crime occurred. Filing deadline may be waived for child sexual abuse claims. For additional information, call the Victim Services Division of the Criminal Justice Institute at (800) 353-1484.
Other Compensation For Crime Victims
Many victims are interested in how they can be compensated for financial losses that they suffered as a result of a crime. In the criminal justice system, compensation for victims is called restitution. The mandatory Restitution Act of 1996 established procedures for determining the amount of restitution to which a victim may be entitled. Under federal law for most types of crimes, it is mandatory that a defendant, if convicted, be ordered to pay full restitution related to offenses s/he is found guilty of. Orders of restitution follow a defendant for twenty years post incarceration.
Victim-Witness Resources
Sextortion
Bank Robbery Victims
Bank Robbery is a crime that is often prosecuted federally. Victims of this offense include the institution itself as well as the bank employees and customers who were present during the incident. This traumatic situation can affect them in a myriad of ways. Awareness and understanding are crucial in dealing effectively with such an event. For a copy of a brochure and/or a video with practical help for people who have been exposed to the traumatic effects of robbery, please contact the Victim-Witness Coordinator at (888) 368-5067.
Identity Theft and Fraud Victims
Information on what to do if your personal has been compromised may be found on our Identify Theft Resources page.
U.S. Bureau of Prisons – Inmate Status
You can find out the status of a federal inmate online at the U.S. Bureau of Prison website by entering the inmate’s name.
Current Case Information
For current information regarding a particular federal case in the Southern District of Indiana, contact the Victim-Witness Coordinator at (888) 368-5067.
Victim Assistance Program Funding
The Crime Victims Fund, which was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 and is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime, is the source of funding for the annual VOCA awards. The Fund is financed with fines and penalties paid by convicted federal criminals. Fines collected in one year by U.S. Attorneys, the U.S. Courts and the Bureau of Prisons are deposited in the Fund and are available for grant awards the following year. Current or new victim assistance programs may apply for funds through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, (317) 232-1233.
Victim Organizations
Office for Victims of Crime
The Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center is your primary source of crime victim information. Whether you are drafting policies on a particular issue, searching for up-to-date research on child abuse, investigating a story on date rape, or seeking statistics on the extent and nature of victimization in the United States, you can turn to the Resource Center.
(800)851-3420 or (301)240-7760 (TTY 301-240-6310)
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, EST
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
1915 W. 18th Street, Suite B
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(800) 538-3393
(317) 917-3685
Courthouse Locations
Indianapolis Division
United States Courthouse
46 E. Ohio St, 4th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Evansville Division
United States Courthouse
101 NW MLK Blvd, Room 250
Evansville, IN 47708
Terre Haute Division
United States Courthouse
921 Ohio St, Room 145
Terre Haute, IN 47807
New Albany Division
United States Courthouse
121 W Spring St, Room 210B
New Albany, IN 47150