After charges are filed in a federal criminal case, Victim Witness staff members provide certain services to victims and witnesses. They may:

• Notify victims about public court proceedings such as indictments, arraignments, trial dates, continuances, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and sentencing hearings.
• Provide information to victims about the Victim Notification System (VNS) call center and website.
• Provide information about victims’ rights under federal law.
• Refer victims to the Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Program as appropriate.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 disbursements of travel expense monies for indigent witnesses.

Victim Impact Statements

If a defendant pleads guilty or is convicted, victims may submit Victim Impact Statements explaining the physical, emotional, and/or financial effects of the crime. Victim Impact Statements are submitted to the U.S. District Court and may be used to help the court decide what sentence the defendant should receive and whether restitution should be ordered. Victims of charges filed also have the right to speak at the sentencing hearing.

Restitution

If victims suffered financial loss as a result of the crime, the U.S. District Court may order the defendant to repay them as part of the sentence. While there is no guarantee that payment will be made, it is important that victims keep detailed records of all crime-related losses and expenses. If victims are awarded restitution and have questions about payments, they may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Financial Litigation Program at (800) 836-5801 or the U.S. District Court’s Financial Administrator at (307) 433-2120.

Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Program, Division of Victim Services

The Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Program provides reimbursement to eligible victims and their families for certain crime-related expenses. These reimbursements may cover medical, counseling, and funeral expenses, as well as certain other expenses approved by the Program. However, reimbursement does not cover property losses or provide compensation for pain and suffering. Victims may contact the Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Program at (307) 777-7200, or use the toll-free Victim Helpline at (888) 996-8816 TTY/V, or via email at: Victim Services, or contact the United States Attorney’s Office Victim Witness staff for more information about the Program and the benefits that may be available. You can also visit Other Victim Resources.

Other Victim Resources

Wyoming Resources

Wyoming Child Protective Services
(307) 777-5479

Wyoming Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
(800) 990-3877

Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Division of Victim Services
**Lists resources for victims and domestic violence shelters throughout the State of Wyoming
(888) 996-8816

Wyoming 211

National Resources

Office for Victims of Crime
**Information and resources for victims in need of assistance which includes a comprehensive list of toll-free numbers.
(202) 307-5983

National Center for Victims of Crime
See “Help for Crime Victims” – (202) 467-8700

National Organization for Victims Assistance
(800) TRY-NOVA; (800) 879-6682

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
(800) THELOST; (800) 843-5678

National Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 4-A-CHILD; (800) 422-4453

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE: (800) 799-7233

National Coalition against Domestic Violence
(303) 839-1852

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline, crisis counseling, referrals
(800) 656-HOPE (800) 656-4673

Parents of Murdered Children
(888) 818-POMC (888) 818-7662

Mothers against Drunk Driving
(877) MADD-HELP (877) 623-3435

National Elder Care
(800) 677-1116

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