Victim And Witness Assistance Program
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to providing federal crime victims and witnesses the rights and services required by federal law and treating them with fairness and respect.
The Victim and Witness Assistance staff can assist victims and witnesses of the cases being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts with the following:
- Provide notification to victims about the status of the case as it proceeds through the prosecution process;
- Provide victims with information and referrals to community-based services to help them cope with the impact of their victimization;
- Provide information about compensation for victims of violent crime;
- Provide notification, upon request, to the employer of the victim or witness if cooperation in the prosecution of the crime causes absence from work;
- Provide information to victims about the opportunities to submit victim impact statements and be reasonably heard;
- Provide information to victims about the restitution process;
- Accompany victims to federal court proceedings; and,
- Provide travel and reimbursement information and assistance to witnesses testifying in federal court proceedings.
Contacting The U.S. Attorney's Office
If you are a victim or witness in a case being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and you would like assistance or have questions, call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 617-748-3100.
Federal Crime Victims’ Rights
A crime victim has the following rights under 18 U.S.C. §3771(a):
- The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.
- The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or any release or escape of the accused.
- The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding.
- The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court, involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding.
- The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the government in the case.
- The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law.
- The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
- The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.
If Victims Or Witnesses Are Threatened Or Harassed
If you are a victim or witness in a federal case and you are threatened or harassed because of your cooperation in the case, remedies are available. If a threat is made to you it should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authority. If the situation is immediate call 911 for assistance. You should report threats or harassment to the federal investigative agent or agency with whom you have had prior contact. The investigative agency will evaluate the situation and discuss appropriate measures with you. It is important to report incidences of harassment or threats as soon as possible.