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Wyoming Office of the Attorney General - Division of Victim Services

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Content:

• Maximum award up to $15,000
• Funeral expenses are limited to $5,000
• Lost wages are limited to $500 per month
• Emergency awards up to $1,000

• Medical, dental and hospital services
• Mental health counseling and care
• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of support to dependents
• Homemaker replacement services loss
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids and other prosthetic or medically necessary devices
• Certain other out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the crime

• A victim of a crime who has suffered physical injury as a result of:
  • a criminal attack
  • trying to stop a person committing a crime
  • trying to help a law enforcement officer
  • trying to help a victim of a crime
• Families and dependents of deceased victims
• Persons who are authorized to act on behalf of victims

• The crime must have occurred in Wyoming on or after May 23, 1985
• The crime must be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible
• The victim or claimant must fully cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the crime
• The claim must be filed within one (1) year of the injury or death.
• Federal crime victims are eligible to apply for compensation whether or not the crime falls under tribal, state, or federal jurisdiction
• No portion of the compensation shall benefit the offender in any way
• A victim whose own misconduct either caused or contributed to the criminal attack could be reduced or denied compensation

• The offender and/or accomplice
• A victim convicted of a felony after applying for compensation
• An individual who is a victim of a criminal attack while confined in a prison or other correctional facility at the time of the crime
• A victim whose expenses are paid entirely by other sources
• Victims of monetary or property loss
• Victims seeking compensation only for pain and suffering

• Health insurance
• Sick or vacation leave paid by an employer
• Disability insurance
• Indian Health Service
• Worker's Compensation
• Social Security

Does There Have To Be An Arrest Or Conviction Before Compensation Will Be Paid

• No.

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What If Restitution Is Recovered From The Offender?

• In the event that the court orders the offender to make restitution, that portion of the restitution covering expenses paid by the compensation program must be reimbursed back to the compensation fund. If you recover money through a civil suit against the offender, you will be required to pay the compensation program for expenses that program paid on your behalf.

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How Is The Claim Processed?

• Upon receipt of the application, an investigation is conducted to verify all the information. Law enforcement, witnesses, service providers, employers, etc. are contacted to substantiate the compensation application. It usually requires a minimum of 90 days to process an application.
• The division staff reviews the claim and decides if it qualifies for compensation and determines the amount(s) and category(s) the victim may be eligible for. The claims specialist submits the completed claim to the division director for a decision.
• The division will notify you of the amount of the award. If the claim is denied or payment reduced, the reason will be provided in writing.
• If the claim is reduced or denied, the victim has the right to request an appeal within 30 days upon receipt of the decision.
• Emergency compensation (to cover basic, survival needs) can be awarded within a short period of time. It usually takes 10 working days to process an emergency request. No appeals are granted on emergency claims. 

How Do I Apply?

You must file an application. You may follow the links listed at the bottom of this page to view the application instructions and to fill out an application form. When you have completed the form, print it out and send it to the address listed below. You may also obtain an application by calling the Division of Victim Services at (307) 777-7200. You may call collect. Applications are also available in your community at the following locations:

• law enforcement agencies
• domestic violence/ sexual assault agencies
• prosecuting attorney's offices
• victim assistance agencies

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