Are Victims/Witnesses notified of court proceedings?
Victims/Witnesses of a juvenile crime are notified by letter after a Petition has been filed. It is the victims/witness responsibility to contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Office for further information.
What is a Petition?
A Petition is a statement of facts about an alleged crime which, when filed in court, formally charges a person. Facts about a crime are submitted to the District Attorneys Office and upon review of the evidence, a Petition is filed if evidence is deemed appropriate. If there is not enough information at this time, no Petition is filed. Note: If further information is received by this office at a later date, a Petition may be filed at that time.
May victims/witnesses be present during court proceedings?
Yes. Victims/Witnesses may watch the proceedings unless excluded from doing so by the court.
What should I do when I receive by Subpoena?
Should you receive a subpoena, you need to sign the appropriate copy and return it to the District Attorneys Office in the enclosed return envelope and keep the other copy to bring to the District Attorneys Office on the trial/contested hearing date. Please note that on the bottom of the copy of the subpoena you should keep there is a phone number to call at this office after 5:00 p.m., the day before the scheduled trial/contested hearing to check the status of your case. This call can save you an unnecessary trip to the courthouse.
Am I compensated for my time as a witness?
Yes. You will receive a fee of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars for each day that you are required to appear at a trial whether or not you actually testify. Mileage, food, cab fare, etc., will be reimbursed if you are traveling from out of state. Information regarding payments will be given at to you at the time of your appearance.
Do I have the right to make a victim impact statement to the court?
NRS176.015 (Nevada Revised Statute) provides for the victim to appear personally or by counsel and reasonably express any views concerning the crime, the impact of the crime on the victims and the need for restitution. Although this statute only applies in adult criminal proceedings, juvenile judges and hearing masters generally allow victims to address the court at the time of sentencing.
When can I have my property returned?
Although each request is treated individually, property impounded as evidence generally is returned to its rightful owner at the time of final disposition.
What is restitution and how may I receive it?
Restitution is money required to be paid by court order from an offender to his or her victim/s. For information regarding restitution, you may call (702) 455-5285.
What compensation laws exist in Nevada?
Victims of violent crime, including DUIs or their survivors, may be eligible for state compensation to cover medical expenses, psychological counseling, loss of earnings, or funeral expenses which are incurred as a result of their victimization. Additionally, these persons may be eligible for emergency awards to cover "lost or damaged property which is essential to the physical or psychological health of the applicant" (i.e., eyeglasses, door locks, etc).
Is there counseling available for victims of sexual assault?
Victims of sexual assault may be eligible for medial treatment and counseling under NRS 217.290 or NRS 217.480. For further information call the Victims Witness Assistance Office at (702) 455-5320.
