Greene County Circuit Court - Victim Witness Coordinator

Victim/Witness Services provides information, assistance, and advocacy to victims and their families. They also strive to enable victims to empower themselves in the healing process

Victim Services works with victims of juvenile crime in a number of ways which include:

• Assist victims in writing Victim Impact Statements that inform the Court about the victim's psychological, physical or financial loss
• Refer victims to appropriate agencies for supportive services
• Inform victims of their ability to file for civil action to recover losses
• Assist victims in filling out Crime Victims' Compensation claims
• Notify Victims of their rights, court dates, and disposition of cases
• Provide a separate waiting area for victims and witnesses for court hearings and accompany victims to court
• Provide the public with knowledge of the Family Court process (explain hearing procedures, what the victim/witness can expect in court, etc.)
• Assist victims in recovering their property from police departments
• Coordinate the Victim-Offender Mediation Program and the Victim Impact Panel Program

As a victim of juvenile crime, you do have rights!

According to the Missouri Constitution and Missouri Statutes, victims of crime have certain rights which include notification of court dates and final disposition of the case.

For victims of dangerous felonies which include murder, arson, sexual assault, l^st degree assault, l^st degree burglary/robbery, kidnapping or the attempt to commit any of these felonies, the following rights shall automatically be afforded. These rights shall be afforded (if requested in writing) to victims of all other crimes and witnesses.

Summary of Victim Rights as pertains to Family Court

1. To be present at all criminal justice proceedings including juvenile proceedings where the offense would have been a felony if committed by an adult.
2. To be informed in a timely manner of court dates, continuances and final disposition.
3. The right to confer with and be informed by the attorney for the Juvenile Officer under Chapter 552 RSMo., or its successors on guilty pleas and all hearings and sentences.
4. The right to be heard at juvenile hearings unless in the determination of the court the interest of justice requires otherwise.
5. The right to be provided a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
6. The right to be informed by the appropriate juvenile authorities or custodial authority of:
   1. Status of any case concerning a crime against a victim.
   2. Availability of Crime Victim Compensation and community emergency crisis intervention services.
   3. Release of a person.
   4. The escape and recapture of a person.
7. A victim of crime committed by a juvenile may request in writing to the appropriate juvenile authority/Division of Youth Services notification of:
   1. Projected date of release from confinement.
   2. Release on a furlough, work release, electronic monitoring, or to a community correctional facility program in advance of such release.
   3. Any scheduled release hearings, or rescheduling. No hearing shall be conducted without 30 days advance notice.
8. The right to reasonable protection for victims and witnesses from harm and threats arising out of their cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution.
9. For victims to be informed on the right of restitution and witness fee for which they are entitled.
10. When a victim's property is no longer needed for evidence or needs to be retained pending an appeal, the prosecuting attorney or any law enforcement agency having possession of such property shall upon request of the victim be returned within five working days unless the property is contraband or subject to forfeiture proceedings.
11. The employer may not discharge or discipline any witness, victim, or member of the victim's family for honoring a subpoena or for participating in the preparation of a criminal proceeding.