Have you been a Victim or a Witness to a crime?

The period following a crime can be very difficult.  Although everyone reacts differently, many victims and witnesses report that they feel shock, confusion, numbness, disbelief, anger, or other emotions after the incident.  You may be having similar feelings, in addition to dealing with physical, financial, and psychological concerns related to the crime.  At the same time, the criminal justice system is likely to need you to take part in the court process, so that the person(s) responsible for the crime can be held accountable.

It can all be extremely stressful, but there is help.  As a crime victim in Wisconsin, you have rights providing certain privileges and protections. Following is a list of some of the key rights that crime victims have in Wisconsin:  (For a complete list of these rights you may contact The Sauk County Victim Witness Unit.)

• To be informed of your rights and how to exercise them.
• To request to speak (confer) with the prosecutor or representative of the prosecutor about the possible outcome of the case, potential plea agreements and sentencing options.
• To attend court proceedings.
• To request notice of the time, date and place of upcoming court proceedings.
• To a waiting area separate from defense witnesses.
• To a speedy disposition of the criminal case.
• To have the court consider your interest before deciding to grant a request for a delay or continuance.
• To notification if charges are dismissed.
• To be contacted about the right to make a statement at the disposition or sentencing (Victim Impact Statement).
• To provide to the court at the time of sentencing, a written and/or oral victim impact statement covering the economic, physical and psychological effects of the crime.
• To restitution.
• To be notified if a prisoner/offender is released or escapes.
• To contact the Department of Justice to complain about any concerns you may have about your treatment as a crime victim.
• To notification about the disposition of the criminal case.

CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM – Financial Help for Victims of Crime

Who is Eligible?

• An innocent victim who suffers injury from a crime.
• A dependant or legal representative of an innocent victim who has been killed as a result of a crime.
• A person who is injured while aiding a crime victim or helping a police officer.
• A person who suffers a reaction from the death of a family or household member.
• Persons who are injured in automobile accidents caused by drunk drivers.

What Must I do to be Eligible?

• The crime must have been reported to a law enforcement agency within 5 days of the crime.  This may be waived for certain crimes.
• The applicant must file a claim within 1 year of the date of the crime.  This may be waived in certain circumstances.
• The victim must be current with court-ordered child support or maintenance payments.  This may be waived in certain circumstances.

It is not necessary that an individual has been arrested and charged in the criminal courts.  You may still qualify for benefits.  This program pays only those out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid or payable by a private or group insurance plan, public funds, or any other source, including the offender.

Forms for the Crime Victim Compensation Program are available at the District Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement or by calling or writing:

Crime Victim Compensation
PO Box 7951 
Madison, WI  53707-7951 
Telephone:  1-800-446-6564

Visit the Crime Victim Compensation website (see link below).

The Sauk County Victim Witness Unit is here is assist you with any issues you may have related to a pending criminal case. We strive to treat all crime victims with fairness, dignity and respect. We will do all that we can to help you through this difficult time.
For information about the Sauk County Victim Witness Unit

Contact us:  (608) 355-3281
or email us:   laura.moffit@da.wi.gov

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice,  Office of Crime Victim Services (see link below) for more Information