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Genesee County Prosecutor's Office David Leyton, Prosecutor

CRIME VICTIMS DIVISION-CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Prosecutor Leyton and the Rev. Kevlin and Iola Jones assist

Sheriff Pickell in planting a tree in front of the Genesee County Circuit Courthouse

in commemoration of the 2006 National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Being a victim of a crime is a very painful experience for any person.  The Crime Victim's Services Division is designed to help crime victims return to their normal way of life, while offering guidance through the criminal justice system.  We are here to assist you.  Please bring your questions and problems to us at the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office, Crime Victim's Services Division at (810) 257-3493.

Our Basic Services:

• Orientation to the Criminal Justice System: Explaining subpoenas and court procedures; giving specific information about individual cases.

• Court Support Services:  Escorting victims to court upon request; notifying victims of changes in court appearances.

• Case Status and Disposition:  Informing victims of ongoing status and final disposition.

• Impact Statement:  An opportunity to let the Judge know how this crime affected your life.

• Referrals:  Directing victims to community resources for further assistance.

• Crime Victims Compensation:  Helping qualified victims to apply for medical, funeral and counseling assistance.

• Threat of Violence or Intimidation:  Please contact our office IMMEDIATELY for appropriate police agency referral.

• Information on obtaining restitution.

• Information on return of personal property.

Your Rights as a Victim of Crime

• As a victim of a crime, you have the following basic rights as provided by Article I, Section 24 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan:

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect for your dignity and privacy throughout the process.

• The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.

• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the juvenile justice process.

• The right to notification of court proceedings.

• The right to attend court proceedings.

• The right to confer with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney assigned to the case.

• The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing.

• The right to restitution.

• The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.

As a victim of crime, you also have the following rights under the Crime Victim's Rights Act of 1985.  In order to fully exercise these rights, and to be informed of the status of your case, you must complete and return the Victim's Rights Request form that is forwarded to you by the prosecutor's office.

You have the following rights prior to prosecution upon written request:

• To be notified about victims compensation benefits and the address of the Victims Compensation Board.

• To be given the telephone number of the Regional Detention Center to call to determine if the defendant has been released from custody.

• To be instructed on court procedures.

• To be notified of the procedures to follow if you are threatened or intimidated by the defendant.

Post-Sentence Rights Provided Only Upon Written Request

• To take advantage of the post-sentence rights, you must notify the Sheriff (if the defendant was jailed) or the Department of Corrections (if the defendant was sent to prison), that you want to be notified of defendants release or placement change. It is your responsibility to keep them informed of your current address.

• To receive within thirty (30) days of your request, a notice of the earliest possible release date for the defendant.

• To be notified of a release or pending release of the defendant to a community residential program extended furlough or transfer to community status.

• To be notified of a reduction of defendant's sentence as a result of the Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act.

• To be promptly notified of defendant's release on parole.

• To be notified of hearing on reprieve, commutation or pardon of sentence.

Your Obligations and Responsibilities to our Community as a Victim of Crime

As a victim of crime, your help is very important to our system of justice.  When victims report a crime and testify, they help to make the community a safer place to live. As a citizen of our community and as a victim of a crime, please be advised of the following obligations:

• Report the crime immediately.

• Cooperate fully with law enforcement officials

• Cooperate fully with prosecuting officials

• Testify honestly and completely

• Immediately notify the Crime Victim's Services Division in the event of a change in your address or phone number.

Testifying

Bringing a defendant to trial can be a lengthy process. Your cooperation and involvement in the justice system is the first step in successful prosecution. The following are suggestions to help you in the event that you are called to testify as a witness.

• The most important thing is to tell the truth.

• Dress properly and have a neat appearance.

• Do not try to memorize your testimony.

• Speak clearly and loudly enough so that all can hear.

• Listen carefully to the questions that are asked and give thoughtful, considered answers.

• Answer in a direct and simple manner.

• Do not give your opinions or feelings unless you are specifically asked to do so.

• Do not argue on cross-examination.

• Stop instantly when a judge interrupts or an attorney objects to a question.

• Don't give your opinions or feelings unless you are asked.

Threats

If you, as the victim of a crime, receive a threat from the defendant or from any other person in relation to your case, you should immediately report it to your local police agency.  Be sure to explain that you are a crime victim and that you have been threatened in relation to the crime.

Subpoena Witness Fee

A subpoenaed witness will receive $6.00 for each half day and $12.00 for each full day that he or she is called to testify.  The witness will also be paid .10 per mile. These amounts are set by law.

Victim Parking

You may park at meters around the courthouse. Crime Victim Services cannot pay parking tickets.

Click here for directions to the 67th Central District Court/68th District Court.  Click here for directions to the Genesee County Circuit Court.

To locate the accused or defendant in your case, you may click on the following links: OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System)

CRIME VICTIMS' SERVICES DIVISION-CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

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