Tri-County Victim/Witness  Program

The Tri-County Victim/Witness program  provides service to primary victims (persons to whom the crime was directed) and secondary victims (persons who have incurred loss, trauma, or harm because of someone else's victimization from a crime.)
 

General crime victims are defined as victims of:

• Sexual Abuse (child or adult)
• Domestic Violence
• Elder Abuse
• Survivors of homicide victims
• Robbery
• Assault
• Arson
• Burglary/Break in
• Harassment
• Terroristic Threats
• Kidnapping
• Vandalism
• Forgery
• Theft
• Fraud

The Tri-County Program assists victims of crime at any stage of the criminal justice process.

Direct Services

The following services are confidential and free of charge to crime victims and witnesses.

Notification of victims rights per Chapter 611A of the Minnesota Statutes.

Information about the status of the court case via letter and phone calls.

Notice of court proceedings, including changes, hearing dates and any schedule change, including information as to case status.

Information/Explanation  about the criminal justice proceedings.

Orientation to the courtroom setting.  Witnesses may view a courtroom prior to a trial.

Companion  for court appearances in significant cases, and also for emotional support.

Referrals to social services, counselors, and others who can assist  with personal problems.

Private waiting area prior to court appearance.

Property recovery of stolen items that are being held as evidence.

Support with problems that may be happening as a result of the crime itself or of court appearances.

Compensation - Assistance in obtaining witness fees and information  as to eligibility and reimbursement for financial losses incurred by the victim.

Assistance obtaining Orders for Protection/Restraing Orders, if the victim/witness requests.

Transportation assistance for  pre-trial or court hearings, if necessary.

Community Service

The Tri-County Victim/Witness Program  does in-service presentations to community  agencies and professionals. The presentations regard the impact of victimization and statutory rights of victims.  In addition, the program also offers community education in schools, churches, and civic organizations.

Financial Services

Victims may be eligible for financial assistance form the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of violent crime.
 

Victim and Witness Rights

Right to be NOTIFIED of

• Victims' rights.
• Content of any plea bargain agreements.
• Changes in schedule of court proceedings, including the date, time, and place of sentencing.
• Final disposition of the case.
• The offender's release, transfer to a minimum security setting, or reduction in custody status.

Right to PARTICIPATE in prosecution

• Right to inform court of impact of crime at the sentencing hearing.
• Right to have input in pre-trial diversion program.
• Right to request a speedy trial.
• Right to bring a supportive person to the pre-trial hearing.
• Right to object to a proposed disposition or sentence.
• Right to object to a plea agreement.
• Right to attend the sentencing hearing.
• Right to submit an oral or written statement about the impact of the crime, and recommendations at the parole hearing of certain offenders.

Right to PROTECTION from harm

• Tampering with a witness is against Minnesota law.
• Victims/Witnesses do not have to give their addresses in open court.
• Victims have the right to a secure waiting area during court.
• Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court.

Right to APPLY for Financial Assistance

• Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the state if they have suffered economic loss as the result of a violent crime.
• Victims can request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution.
• Victims of certain violent crimes may request the convicted offender submit to testing for the virus that causes AIDS
• Victims of domestic assault and harassment have a right to receive notification from the prosecutor if a decision is made not to prosecute, or if the charges against the defendant are  dismissed.  If dismissed, a record must be made of the specific reasons for dismissal.