Purpose of Victim Services
In the aftermath of crime, victims often experience emotional pain and
trauma as well as confusion concerning the legal process. The Victim Witness Services
Division is dedicated to ensuring that the needs and the rights of crime victims and
witnesses are met through compliance with the law, and with respectful and fair treatment.
On January 3, 1989, with the enactment of Article 1, Section 16, Paragraph (b), of the Florida
Constitution, the State of Florida became the first state in the nation to change
their constitution to include the rights of crime victims.
As a victim or witness of crime, you have certain rights and are entitled to
information regarding what you may expect from the criminal justice system and how you may
receive any available assistance needed as a result of the crime. Section
960.001, Florida Statutes, provides legal rights established for crime victims.
Understanding Your Role and Rights As A Victim of Crime
As a victim of crime in the State of Florida, you have an important role in the
administration of justice. This role involves cooperating with law enforcement in the
investigation and possible prosecution of a criminal case. Victims of crime are often
called as witnesses in a case. This means you may be required to be present at various
stages of the criminal justice process to provide truthful testimony.
It also means that you are entitled to certain rights within the criminal justice
system, and to assistance from the State Attorney in asserting these rights.
Rights
of a Crime Victim
- Notification of the arrest, release or
escape of the accused, if possible
- Advance notice of all court proceedings, if time permits
- Information on steps concerning freedom from intimidation
- Notification of scheduling changes
- Opportunity to have a victim advocate present during depositions
- Assistance in obtaining the return of recovered property
- A prompt and timely disposition of the case
- Prompt notification of the results of court proceedings
- To be informed, present and heard, when relevant, at all criminal proceedings
- Assistance in obtaining Crime Victim Compensation, restitution, and other services to
which you may be entitled
- Upon request, notification to your employer and/or school when you must appear in court
- Opportunity to submit an oral or written impact statement at the time of sentencing
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Stages of the Criminal Justice Process
Criminal cases generally follow the sequence shown below, however, no two cases are
alike and variations do occur in some instances:
Crime Committed
Police Investigation
Arrest
First Appearance
Arraignment
Hearings and Depositions
Trial
Sentencing
Contacting Victim Services
In Brevard County call (321) 617-7555
In Seminole County call (407) 665-6112
What is a Victim Advocate and What Services Do They Provide?
Victims of crime are entitled to information regarding what to expect from the criminal
justice system and how to receive available assistance. The State Attorney’s Office
is staffed with Victim Advocates who provide the following services:
- Emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime
- Information concerning stages in the criminal or juvenile justice process, and the role
of the victim
- Courtroom orientation and accompaniment
- Crisis intervention services and groups
- Referrals to social service agencies
- Assistance in filing Florida Crime Victim Compensation claims
- Support Groups for some crimes
Specialized Programs Provided by Our Victim Services Division
In addition to our other services, the Victim Witness Services Division also has
specific advocates to help individualized victim populations, and a specific unit to offer
assistance to witnesses.
Sexual Assault (Rape) Victim Services
- If You are Assaulted
Domestic Violence Victim Services
Florida Crime Victim Compensation Program
- Application for Compensation (English)
- Application for Compensation
(Spanish)
Support Groups
Witness Management Program
Volunteers Are Needed
Victim Witness Services is in need of volunteers! There are a wide variety of
activities in which a volunteer can participate, and this office continually accepts citizen-partner volunteer applications.
National Victims' Rights Week
