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RIGHTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS OF CRIME IN PENNSYLVANIA
PENNSYLVANIA'S VICTIM BILL OF RIGHTS
As a victim of crime in Pennsylvania you have the following rights:
- To receive basic information concerning the services to assist you;
- To be notified of certain significant actions and proceedings pertaining to your case, including, in personal injury crimes, the arrest of the suspect and escape from police custody;
- To be accompanied at all public criminal proceedings by a family member, a victim advocate or another person;
- In cases of personal injury crimes, burglary, or driving under the influence involving bodily injury, to submit prior comment to the prosecutor's office on the potential reduction or dropping of any charge or changing of a plea;
- To offer prior comment or to submit a written victim impact statement for the judge's consideration at sentencing;
- To recover your losses, to the extent possible, through restitution, compensation through the victim's compensation program and the return of property which was seized as evidence when it is no longer needed by the prosecutor;
- In personal injury crimes where the offender is sentenced to a state prison, to provide prior comment on and to receive notice of release decisions, and to be immediately notified if the offender escapes;
- In personal injury crimes where the offender is sentenced to a local correctional facility, to receive notice of release decisions and to be immediately notified if the offender escapes;
- To receive immediate notice of release on bail where the offender is committed to a local correctional facility for violation of a protection from abuse order;
- To receive notice when an offender is committed to a mental health facility from a state prison and of the discharge, transfer or escape of the offender from the mental health facility; and
- To have assistance in the preparation of, submission of and follow-up on the financial assistance claims to the Crime Victim's Compensation Board.
VICTIM'S RESPONSIBILITY
In order for you to receive information and/or notice on matters concerning your case, you must provide a valid address and telephone number to the requesting agency. You are also responsible for providing timely notice of any changes in that information. The information you provide is confidential and may not be disclosed to any person other than a representative of a law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office or corrections agency without your written prior consent. The victim's responsibility falls to the parent or legal guardian for child victims and to a surviving family member in the case of homicide.
AGENCIES THAT CAN ASSIST YOU:
| Victim/Witness Assistance Information on Victim Rights and Services in the Criminal Justice System and Community Agency: Telephone Numbers:
Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy, Counseling, Shelter, and Other Assistance (see section for Domestic Agency: A Woman's Place Telephone Numbers:
Sexual Assault Counseling, Advocacy and Services for Adult and Child Sexual Assault Victims Agency: N.O.V.A. (Network of Victim Assistance) Telephone Numbers: Website: www.novabucks.org
Drunk Driving Counseling, Advocacy and Services for Victims of Drunk Driving Agency: M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Telephone Numbers:
Child Abuse Counseling, Information and Referral Services for Abuse and Neglected Children Agency: Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services Agency Telephone Numbers:
Elder Abuse Counseling, Shelter and Protective Services for Victims Age 60 and Over Agency: Bucks County Area Agency on Aging Telephone Numbers:
Other Victims of Violence Counseling, Services and Advocacy for the Surviving Family of Homicide Victims and for Agency: N.O.V.A. (Network of Victim Assistance) Telephone Numbers: Website: www.novabucks.org
Crime Victim's Compensation Compensation for Out-of-Pocket Medical Bills, Lost Wages/Support Counseling, Funeral Agency: PA Crime Victim's Compensation Board Telephone Numbers: |
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting a Protection from Abuse Order which could include the following:
- An order restraining the abuser from further acts of abuse;
- An order directing the abuser to leave your household;
- An order preventing the abuser from entering your residence, school, business or place of employment;
- An order awarding you or the other parent temporary custody of or temporary visitation with your child or children;
- An order directing the abuser to pay support to you and the minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do so;
- An order directing the abuser to refrain from stalking or harassing you or other designated persons.
For more information, contact the Domestic Violence Program listed previously.
CRIME VICTIM'S COMPENSATION
If you or a family member are the innocent victim of a crime in Pennsylvania, or are hurt trying to apprehend a suspected criminal, you may be eligible for compensation.
Compensation may pay for:
- Counseling
- Loss of Earnings
- Loss of Support (In homicide cases)
- Cash Loss of Benefits
- Funeral Expenses
Compensation will NOT pay for:
- Pain and Suffering
- Stolen or Damaged Property
- Auto Release Injuries (Unless inflicted in a DUI crash or by a vehicle used as a weapon)
Minimum Loss Requirements:
If under age 60: A minimum of $100 total qualifying expenses OR A loss of at least two or more continuous weeks of earnings
If over age 60: No minimum out-of-pocket loss required |
For more information call 1-800-233-2339
This information is provided as a courtesy by the Bristol Township Police Department
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