The rights of crime victims and witnesses are finally being recognized.
Our office was the first to establish a Victim/Witness unit in the State of Missouri. We are very proud of that fact.
Victims and witnesses have rights too. As representatives of the Citizens of Buchanan County, it’s our purpose to protect those rights.
We are providing the following information to help you better understand your Criminal Justice System. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office at 816-271-1480 or e-mail us at yourbcpa@gmail.com.
- Dwight K. Scroggins, Jr.
Missouri has a Constitutional Amendment that guarantees crime victims have certain rights when requested:
- To be kept informed of the status of a case, the filing of charges or decision not to file and all court dates and appearances once you have let the Prosecutor’s Office know that you wish to be notified, and to timely notification of continuances.
- To be present in court whenever the defendant has a right to be present.
- To talk to the prosecutor about bail hearings, pleas, hearings, sentencing and probation revocation proceedings, and to appear and speak to the Court about bonds, conditions of release and sentencing.
- To reasonable protection from harmful threats from a defendant or people acting on the defendant’s behalf, and the right to a secure waiting area for court.
- To be informed of victim services, including compensation, available social services, and the availability of and application process for any witness fees that you are entitled to.
- To receive restitution when possible.
- To have stolen property returned quickly.
- To be informed of the final disposition of the case.
- To be present at any hearing where the defendant is present before a probation and parole hearing officer, and to be present and participate in parole and probation revocation hearings, including juvenile probation revocation hearings and hearings for persons found not guilty by reason of insanity. (Victims may provide a written statement or video or audio tape in place of being present.)
- To speedy disposition of cases and speedy appellate review.
- An employer may not fire a victim, witness or member of a victim’s immediate family for appearing under subpoena to testify in court, attend a court proceeding or for participation in the preparation of a criminal proceeding. The employer also can not require the victim, witness or family member of the victim’s immediate family to use vacation time, personal time or sick leave for honoring such subpoena.
- To have victim’s creditors contacted by the prosecutor’s office if the victim is temporarily unable to pay bills as a result of the crime.
Victim’s Compensation Fund.
In Missouri, it is possible for persons who are victims of crime to be reimbursed for certain expenses they have had because of the crime. Your cooperation with law enforcement is essential in order to be eligible for filing a claim.
Who is Eligible?
The Missouri Department of Public Safety, Crime Victims’ Compensation, has developed the following eligibility checklist to assist you in filing an application for compensation. Benefits include medical, funeral and counseling expenses, and lost wages or loss of support. Property loss is NOT covered by this program.
How do I apply?
You must file a claim within two years of the crime which caused the injury. It is important to cooperate with law enforcement officials.
Claim forms are available at:
Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney - 271-1480 or
Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
P.O. Box 3001
Jefferson City, MO 65102-3001
Phone: 1-800-347-6881
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)
You may also access the form on-line:
Application for Crime Victims’ Compensation
The completed form must be signed and Notarized and mailed to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program at the address above, along with copies of any bills you have received. Our office can help you with this process.
Click here for additional crime victim and witness resources.