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Wyoming Office of the Attorney General - Division of Victim Services
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If You Are A Victim of a Crime
As soon as you are safe, the first and most important step is to call the police.
Talking about what happened may be difficult at first, and you may not
understand why the officers have to ask so many hard questions.
Try your best.
If you have been physically hurt in any way, make sure to get medical attention immediately.
You may even be eligible to have your medical bills paid for from a
special compensation fund for victims in Wyoming
What Are Your Rights As A Victim In Wyoming
Depending on the type of crime committed against you, you have several rights under the
law. However, they are subject to some provisions and are not
constitutionally guaranteed. Be sure to ask to speak with a victim
advocate who can explain your rights and how to exercise them.
Ask about how you can get information about;
The status of the case.
The release from custody of the perpetrator.
Various court-related rights, including making a statement about your losses.
Requesting restitution, accepting plea agreements to lesser charges, and making a statement
to the judge at sentencing.
What Should You Know About Your Case?
In all cases you should stay in contact with law enforcement. Be sure to request
the Case Incident number from the responding officer and always refer
to it when you call. Most victims and their families feel unsafe after they have been victimized. By
working with helping professionals and the Court, you can take positive
actions to safeguard you and your family from further harm.
Remember, whether you need to go to a safe shelter, obtain a protection order, or just
learn about the latest crime prevention tips, help is available!
Victim Service Programs Can Help!
What are victim service programs?
There is a victim service program in every county in Wyoming. If you or a loved one has been
victimized by a crime, your local victim service program can help.
Victim service programs can give you practical advice and support. They will
help you deal with your basic needs (like food, clothing and housing)
and prepare you for what’s ahead.
You may be feeling confused or isolated. If you don’t understand how the criminal
justice system works, these feelings can get stronger.
Contact your local victim service program to find out what services
are available in your county.
What services do victim service programs have?
Most victim service programs offer:
Counseling after the crime to help you deal with the immediate emotional trauma.
Referrals to other agencies for services not available at the program.
Follow-up counseling for emotional, financial or work problems related to the crime.
Emergency help with housing, clothing, food, transportation and medical care.
Help filing for compensation through the Wyoming Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP).
If eligible you may be compensated for medical or dental bills, loss of income or support,
and funeral and burial expenses.
Support as the criminal case moves through the system.
Explain the criminal justice process.
Make sure you have a support person when you go to court.
Give you information about the case.
Help you get your property back if law enforcement held it as evidence.
Help prepare you for when the offender is released.
If you want, advocates from the program can also tell your friends and relatives that you were
the victim of a crime. They can also contact your employer to
minimize any loss of pay or benefits because of missed time related
to the crime.
Some programs offer help with childcare, transportation, funeral arrangements and
will notify people you owe money to that you will need more time to
pay.
Do I have to pay for services at the victim service programs?
No. All services are free.
What other options do I have?
Every county has a Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program.
These programs provide emergency and long-term support to victims and their families,
like:
Emergency safe homes or shelters.
24-hour crisis telephone line.
Follow-up crisis and long-term counseling.
Someone to support you during medical exams, court hearings and when you deal with other
agencies.