The Washington County Victim Assistance program is a law enforcement based program. Our Advocates are on call twenty four hours a day seven days a week. We provide services to all crime victims that fall into the Victims Rights Amendment. An advocate is available to assist victims from the time the crime is reported through the final disposition of the case.
The services provided are on-scene crisis intervention, assistance in filling out victim compensation, safety plans, referrals to counseling and other resources, assistance in filing civil protection orders, and court room advocacy. The Washington County Victim Assistance program also responds to suicides, and we assist in death notifications.
We treat all victims with dignity, respect and compassion. If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime please call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
In November 1992, the voters of Colorado passed a resolution to include Victim Rights as a part of the State’s Constitution.
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The Victim Rights Act also includes any criminal attempt, conspiracy, criminal solicitation or accessory involving any of the crimes specified above.
The Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate will provide you with a Victim Compensation form if you have been the victim of a “compensable crime.” A compensable crime is defined as any intentional, knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent act, and any drunk or impaired driving, which results in residential property damage, bodily injury or death of another person.
If you are a victim of a compensable crime, you must report the crime to a law enforcement agency within 72 hours, cooperate fully with the law enforcement agency and prosecution, and you must apply for compensation within twelve (12) months of the loss or injury.
Many people are reluctant to apply for victim compensation because they think it is a form of charity. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the money is paid from a fund established by Court assessments against convicted criminals. It is only fitting that criminals pay for the harm they cause you and other victims. The funds expended on your behalf will be replaced by an order against the defendant in your case upon his or her conviction.
Victim compensation claims are considered by a three-member panel selected by the District Attorney. Decisions are made by the panel after reviewing the applications and all necessary reports. You will be notified within 60 days whether the claim has been accepted or not. In the event that you have an emergency need for funds the authorized services, you may request up to $1,000 in advance. Victim compensation is payer of last resort. It is not intended for expenses that can be paid by any other resource.
It is a form of restitution, but is more limited. You have a broad right to restitution for any and all financial losses. The court MUST base its restitution order on the Victim Impact Statement submitted by the prosecution. The Victim Impact Statement will be mailed to you in all cases and it is critical that you complete this form and return it to be paid these funds.
Your local Sheriff’s Victim Advocate will assist you.
Vine is a toll-free, anonymous, automated telephone service that provides victims of crime and the public two important features: Information and Notification
Contact Information: 1-888-CO3-VINE
Website: http://www.vinelink.com/
Call VINE and follow the instructions for custody information. It will quickly tell you whether the offender is still in custody and where he/she is located. Live operator assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can register by phone or email for automated notification of changes that occur in the offender’s custody status. Registration can be done by telephone or online.
Kimberly Guy
Brittani Kusel
