MISSION: To respond to the needs and uphold the rights
of victims and witnesses.
The Victim-Witness Unit works to ensure that office policies
comply with federal victims' rights laws and encourages the fair
treatment and participation of victims in the criminal justice
process. Further, the Unit provides current case status information
and referral services for crime victims and witnesses.
Being the victim of, or witness to, a crime can be a difficult,
even devastating experience. Victims and witnesses may feel frustrated,
confused or overwhelmed trying to negotiate the unfamiliar ways
of the justice system alone. The Victim-Witness Unit exists to
help.
As a crime victim, you have the following rights under
18 United States Code § 3771:
(1) The right to be reasonably protected from the
accused;
(2) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely
notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding,
involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused;
(3) 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;
(4) The right to be reasonably heard at any public
proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing,
or any parole proceeding;
(5) The reasonable right to confer with the attorney
for the Government in the case;
(6) The right to full and timely restitution as
provided in law;
(7) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable
delay;
(8) The right to be treated with fairness and with
respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.
We will make our best efforts to ensure you are accorded
the rights described. You can seek the advise of an attorney with
respect to these rights.
However, the Victim-Witness Unit goes further than just enforcing
these rights. It also exists to:
1. Provide information on what to expect after a crime has been
committed and to aid in referrals to local resources that offer
assistance in coping with the effects of a crime.
2. Provide information on what to expect from the justice system
and how it works, answer any questions regarding the role a victim/witness
plays, and accompany the victim/witness to court if requested.
3. Intervene, upon request, with employers, creditors, and other
service agencies.
4. Help apply for Crime Victims' Compensation, if eligible.
5. Help with Victim Impact Statements to the sentencing judge.
6. Assist with the return of property being held as evidence.
7. Assist in accessing the Victim Notification System (VNS).
If a person is identified as a victim in a federal case, they
will have access to the national automated case status information
system called VNS. This system provides access to ongoing case
status updates from the arrest of an offender throughout their
prison sentence. Access to VNS is limited to victims who have
received a confidential PIN from a federal law enforcement agency
or the United States Attorney's Office.
NOTE: The Victim-Witness Unit cannot represent anyone
personally, or provide legal advice or direct compensation. However,
it will advocate on the behalf of a victim/witness as far
as the law allows.
If you have been a victim of a federal crime or have been called
as a witness in a criminal federal proceeding, and/or if you have
questions about your appearance or the status of the criminal
case, please contact the Victim-Witness Unit at the e-mail address
below, or you can call the United States Attorney's Office at
(503) 727-1000.
CONTACT INFO:
Oregon Victim Witness Email
