VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Serving the County of Butte

The Victim/Witness Program was created to help reduce the amount of trauma victims of crime experience.  The Victim/Witness Assistance Center cares about the needs of victims and witnesses of crime, and provides personalized services to meet their needs.  Program assistance responds to immediate needs, connects clients to appropriate community resources, guides them through crimal justice proceedings, and facilitates the recovery of their loss.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A VICTIM

• to be informed about the progress and outcome of your case
• to be informed about social services agencies which can help you
• to be assisted by criminal justice system agencies
• to be informed about available compensation for your injuries and lost work time
• to be free from inconvenience during your participation within the criminal justice system

WHO DOES THE PROGRAM SERVE?

The program serves all persons who become victims or witnesses of crime - including their close family and loved ones.  Since each person's needs are uniquely different, services are not limited to those listed.

SERVICES PROVIDED

• Immediate assistance
• Follow up care
• Assistance in court
• Recover of loss

If you are a victim of a crime and need assistance, call

Butte County Victim/Witness Assistance Center

42 County Center Drive

Oroville, CA 95965

Oroville Telephone Number (530) 538-7340

Chico Telephone Number (530) 891-2812

CALL TO SEE IF THEY CAN HELP YOU!

MARSY'S LAW

Victims' Bill of Rights

The California Constitution, Article 1, Section 28, confers certain rights to victims of crime as they are defined in the law.  Those right include:

• Fairness and respect
• Protection from the defendant
• Victim safety considerations in setting bail and release conditions
• The prevention of the disclosure of confidential information
• Refusal to be interviewed by the defense
• Conference with the prosectuion and notice of pre-trial disposition
• Notice of and presence at public proceedings
• Appearance at court proceedings and expression of views
• Speedy trial and prompt conclusion of the case
• provision of information to the Probation Department
• Receipt of pre-sentence report
• Information about conviction, sentence, incarceration, release, and escape
• Restitution
• The prompt return of property
• Notice of parole procedures and release on parole
• Safety of victim and public are factors in parole release
• Information about these 16 rights

For more information on Marsy's Law, visit the Attorney General's website at:  www.ag.ca.gov/victimservices or

the Butte County District Attorney's Website: http://buttecounty.net/da/