LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES
MARINE CORPS LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A crime victim who is eligible for legal assistance services per 10 U.S.C. § 1044 and JAGINST 5800.7E, the Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGMAN), is also eligible to receive specialized information and advice from a Marine Corps Legal Assistance Attorney in the following matters:
1. The Victim/Witness Program, including:
a. the rights and benefits afforded the victim of a crime;
b. the role of the Victim Advocate and what privileges do or do not exist between the victim and the Victim Advocate; and,
c. the differences between a victim’s confidential communications to a Legal Assistance Attorney and unprivileged communications to others.
2. The differences between the two types of reporting in sexual assault cases (restricted and unrestricted).
3. General information concerning the military justice system, including the roles and responsibilities of the trial counsel, defense counsel, and investigators. This may include the ability of the government to compel cooperation and testimony.
4. Services available from appropriate agencies or offices for emotional and mental health counseling and other medical services.
5. The availability of and protections offered by civilian and military restraining orders.
6. Eligibility for and benefits potentially available as part of the transitional compensation benefits established in 10 U.S.C. § 1059, and other state and federal victims’ compensation programs.
7. Traditional forms of legal assistance including matters such as leases, taxes, consumer affairs, estate planning, and powers of attorney.
For aid in determining whether a particular crime victim is eligible for legal assistance services, and for questions regarding the types of services available, please contact the Legal Assistance Office. You can locate alternative Legal Assistance Offices by using the online U.S. Armed Force Legal Assistance Locator, available at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php.