Victim Services Program
The overall purpose of our Victim Witness Assistance Program is:
To enhance and protect the necessary role of crime victims and witnesses within the Federal criminal justice process; to form partnerships with State and local communities to establish and provide important victim services and rights; and to assure our best efforts in affording victims the following rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 10606(b):
(Bill of) Rights of Crime Victims
- The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.
- The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
- The right to be notified of court proceedings.
- The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at trial.
- The right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case.
- The right to restitution.
- The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.
In addition to the rights that victims are entitled to, we routinely provide victims/witnesses with the following services:
Information on medical facilities, social services, availability of compensation, availability of public and private programs which provide counseling, treatment and other support, notice of the status of the investigation and the prosecution of the crime, notice of the opportunities for allocution to the presiding judge, prepaid transportation and lodging arrangements, secure waiting areas while at court proceedings, return of property held as evidence, employer or creditor intercession/notification, child care assistance, and payment of forensic rape exams and other rights and services pertaining to notification, testing and services for crime victims in sexual assault cases.
The Victim Witness Information Form is used throughout this state to assist U.S. Attorneys' Offices and other federal agencies with their statutory obligations to advise the courts of the appropriate restitution to be awarded to victims.
Toll-free Telephone Numbers for the Victim-Witness Coordinators:
Miami, Fl (888) 513-0867
Fort Lauderdale, Fl (800) 379-4643
For current information regarding a particular case, contact the Victim-Witness Coordinator as indicated.
Current Case Information: |
United States vs Harry Abonde, et al. , For further information see Unique Gems |
Citizen's Complaint Form (PDF) | Citizen Complaint Hotline, (305) 961-9173
Citizen Complaint Email Address: USAFLS-Citizencompla@usdoj.gov