Speak Up! - View Question #16980

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Generally, your community should have a victim advocate, who is usually located at the local courthouse.  This person is responsible for keeping you updated as to the status of the case against the defendant, what remedies are available to you (either through the criminal system or a possible civil case against the defendant).  Also, the advocate should have information for you on different services within the community.  For example, if you are a victim of domestic violence, the advocate should provide you with information on shelters, hotlines, etc.

The state victim's compensation program is a general fund for victims of crimes.  If you are a victim of a crime or terrorism, you may apply if you:

• Suffer physical injury or mental distress and experience economic loss as a direct result of the crime
• Are victimized in Arizona, or are an Arizona resident who has been a victim
• Report the crime to a police agency within 72 hours unless good cause is shown to justify a delay
• Willingly and fully cooperate with the appropriate law enforcement agencies
• Submit an application within one year from the discovery of the crime unless good cause is shown to justify a delay

You may be eligible to receive money for crime related:

• Medical expenses
• Mental health counseling expenses
• Loss of wages
• Funeral expenses

The board will not consider claims for:

• Property loss and damage
• Pain and suffering
• Expenses that would benefit an offender
• A person serving a sentence of imprisonment in a detention facility or who has escaped imprisonment in a detention facility, home arrest, or work furlough program

For more information please call: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (602)230-0252.