VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

"When I was first elected District Attorney in 1984, I pledged that victims of crime would be protected, reimbursed for their losses, and treated with respect.  My office knows that victims of crime have rights, too.  Our Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to give information and emotional support as a case proceeds through the court system.  We feel it is important that the criminal justice system provide the same consideration to the victims that is afforded to criminal defendants."

William R. Coenen, Jr., District Attorney

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of this program to ensure that victims of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity, and that their rights as provided by Louisiana Law are protected and honored; it is our intent to provide notification, restitution, and counseling referrals for the victims of certain enumerated violent crimes; it is our goal to assist all victims (including domestic violence victims) with inquiries as to particular problems concerning their case.

PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM

1)                  1.    To provide for the victim as delineated in Louisiana Revised Statute 46:1841-1844.

2)                  2.    To give the victim notice in writing of the following court dates:

a.                        a.   Arraignment

b.                        b.   Evidentiary hearing (pre-trial conference)

c.                        c.   Trial

d.                        d.   Sentencing

e.                        e.   Argument before the Appellate Court

f.                          f.   Sentence Imposed

g.                        g.   Subsequent modification of sentence

3)                  3.   To make the victim aware of counseling and other services available to them; to put the victim in touch with the appropriate agency; make a referral for the victim.

4)                  4.   To assist domestic violence victims in the procuring of protective orders; to assist the victim in form completion and filing; accompany the victim to the courtroom; refer the victim to a counseling agency, battered women shelter, or to a support group.

5)                  5.   To assist the victim in recovering restitution; will follow through on restitution that has been ordered to ensure that the victim is receiving restitution; will work with probation office to see that probation is revoked when restitution is not paid.

6)                  6.   To ensure the safety of the victim during the trial; make sure that the victim has a safe place to wait.

7)                  7.   To inform the public of the program and services that are offered; have brochures available which easily explains the program.

8)                  8.   To keep statistics on the victims helped, counseling referrals made, restitution recovered, and pardon/parole hearings attended/addressed.

The District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program provides services to victims in the following ways:

Advocacy

The Victim Assistance Coordinator serves as a link between the victim and the criminal justice system.  The coordinator is available both inside and outside the courtroom to answer questions about the case.  Each victim is mailed a Victim Notice and Registration form.  The victim may take advantage of these rights by signing and returning the form to the District Attorney's Office as instructed thereon.

Notification

The Victim Assistance Coordinator will keep the victim notified during the course of the criminal court process.   Written notification will keep the victim informed of upcoming court dates.  This is an easy, convenient way to follow the case as it proceeds through the criminal court system.  Most of the criminal court hearings do not require the presence of the victim.

Support

The Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to accompany victims into the courtroom and provide emotional support throughout the judicial process.  A waiting area outside the courtroom may also be made available if it is requested.

Education

The Victim Assistance Program endeavors to provide information to other agencies and to coordinate appropriate services available to the victim.  These sometime include counseling or referral to other agencies.  Support in applying for restitution is also given to victims.  The Victim  Assistance Coordinator is available to provide informational programs to schools, churches, civic organizations, and health care agencies as to services provided by the District Attorney's Office Victim Assistance Program.

            The Victim Assistance Program in the Fifth Judicial District is handled by Carol Mulhern.  Please call or visit her at her office as shown in the "Office Locations".  She will be happy to answer your questions and be of whatever assistance possible.