The criminal justice system can be a very complex process for victims and their families to understand if they are not familiar with the laws. The justice process, which involves law enforcement, prosecutorial agencies, the courts and the corrections system, may be quick or may take years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the individual case.

We understand that being the victim of a crime is traumatic. If you are a victim in a case prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office, the following services are available to you through our Office of Victim Services:

• Assessing with you, your needs as a result of the crime
• Assisting you in obtaining crisis intervention, counseling services, emergency shelter and follow-up counseling for your emotional, personal, financial and employment problems resulting from the crime
• Providing you with information on filing Orders of Protection and Injunctions against harassment
• Helping you file for compensation through your local Crime Victim Compensation Board
• Assisting and supporting you through all criminal justice proceedings, we can explain the criminal justice system to you
• Conduct a court visit/orientation with you prior to a scheduled proceeding
• Escort and support you through court appearances, depositions, or interviews
• Help you to get back property held for evidence
• Keep you updated on the case and its disposition
• Advocate for a court waiting area where you may be secure from the defendant, the defense witnesses and the defendant's family and friends
• Assist you in completing a Victim Impact Statement for use at the time of sentencing
• Assist you in determining your financial losses as a result of the crime and as an aid to the prosecutor in recommending court-ordered restitution
• Obtain and provide you with a copy of the Presentence Report
• Intervening with your employer, landlord or creditors to minimize additional losses because of the crime's impact on you
• Assisting you in the conduct of asset searches, and filing of restitution liens and/or criminal restitution orders
• Advocating your rights as a crime victim with other justice agencies
• Notifying you of all post-conviction relief and direct appeal proceedings, and of the outcome of those proceedings
• Intervening on your behalf with the media to assure your privacy needs and wishes are respected