General information on the law, is subject to change. For specific legal problems, consult an Attorney or Lawyer.

CRIME VICTIM'S CHECKLIST

• Date, Time and Place Crime Occurred:

• Crime Reported to Local Police:

• Responding Officer's Name and Number:

• Investigating Officer's Name and Number:

• Police/Sheriff's Crime Report Number:

• Stolen/Damaged Property

• Injuries/Medical Treatment

• Victim-Witness Assistance Program Advocate's Name and Number:

• Victim-Witness Assistance Program Case Number

• Prosecutor's Name and Number (City or District Attorney):

• Court Case Number:

• Probation Officer's Name and Number (Restitution):

• Date Copy of Restitution Order Requested and Received from Court:

• Private Attorney's Name and Number:

• Written Request for Notification to Prison or Youth Authority:

• Correctional Advocate's Name and Number (Prison or Youth Authority):

• Youth or Adult Parole Agent's Name and Number:

• Notify Prosecutor, Police, Probation, Corrections and Parole of Address or Telephone Changes:

What to do if you are the victim of Crime.

• Notify local police as soon as possible. Provide as much information as you can.

• Ask the police officer for the number of the crime report. Call the officer back if you remember additional details.

• Request information on your legal rights, and ask for updates on the progress of your case and notification of all court proceedings.

• If you have insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. Speak to your insurance agent and obtain a copy of your policy. If you have been injured or have a family member who has been injured or killed, your local Victim-Witness Assistance Program can provide you with an application for California's Victims of Crime compensation. An attorney can help you submit your application and file a civil lawsuit against the offender and/or his or her insurance company or other responsible party.

• If the offender is in the custody of the Department of Corrections or the Youth Authority, you must also advise them of any address changes if you wish to be notified of the offender's parole hearings, escape or release.

• Keep a complete record of your crime-related losses and expenses. Be sure to provide as much information as you can to the probation department, prosecutor or court to document your loss of property, wages and support, as well as your medical expenses. Ask the judge to order full restitution from the offender.

• Address the judge at sentencing. The Victim-Witness Assistance Program representative or other victim advocate can help you prepare a Victim Impact Statement.

• If the judge orders the offender to pay restitution, request a certified copy of the order and a copy of the defendant's financial disclosure from the court clerk. Make several copies and keep the original in a safe place.

Make sure to ask for this additional information.

• To be provided with information about civil recovery and the state's Victims of Crime Compensation program.

• To have your property returned promptly if it is no longer needed as evidence.

• To be informed that you may be entitled to witness fees and compensation for mileage if summoned to court by subpoena and to be contacted immediately if the court proceeding is canceled.

• To be notified by the district attorney of a pending pretrial disposition (felony plea agreement), if you have requested notification.

• To attend all criminal proceedings open to the general public. If the victim is deceased or otherwise unable to attend, two family members or persons designated by the victim may attend in his or her place.

• To be notified of all sentencing proceedings, and to have the judge hear and consider your views. The prosecutor also must, if you request it, inform you of the final disposition (outcome) of the criminal case.
  

How to Claim financial assistance.

A crime victim who suffers physical and/or emotional injury may be eligible for financial assistance from the state Victims of Crime Program if his or her losses are not reimbursed by another source, such as insurance. Family members or members of the victim's household also may be eligible for assistance as Derivative Victims.

The crime must have been reported to a law enforcement agency and the victim must cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of anyone suspected of committing the crime. The victim must also cooperate with the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board staff and/or local Victim-Witness Assistance Center personnel in the claim verification process. Other limitations and conditions apply.

More information and applications for compensation are available from local Victim-Witness Assistance Centers located throughout the state. These centers are geared to assist you in applying for this assistance. Applicants may also be assisted by a private attorney. The state will pay private attorney fees of 10 percent of the approved award (up to a maximum of $500 per claim). For additional information, call the Victims of Crime Program toll-free at 1-800-777-9229.

How to find out if an arrest has been made.

Call the law enforcement agency to which you reported the crime, or the agency that is investigating the case. Be prepared to give the agency your name, the date and location of the crime, and the name of the suspect, if you know it. It may also help to mention the name of the officer who took your original crime report.