Victim of Crime Information
Wisconsin law provides certain rights to victims of crime in this state. The Plover Police Department provides information to victims of crime at the scene of the report in the form of an informational pamphlet.
We realize that being a crime victim can be a very disturbing experience, as its effects are seldom relieved in just an hour or two. Just as physical injury takes time to heal, the invisible wound created by crime takes time to heal. It can take weeks or months for victims to regain their emotional balance. Talking is often the best medicine for crime victims.
Crime victim rights are outlined in State Statute 950, and are briefly outlined here, and in the Victim of Crime pamphlet.
As a victim of crime, or family member of a homicide victim, you have a right:
- To receive information from the investigating law enforcement agency about your rights as a crime victim.
- To receive information from the District Attorney’s Office about your rights and information about your case.
- To information about crime victim’s compensation and assistance in applying for it.
- To request an opportunity to communicate with the District Attorney about the case and possible outcomes.
- To request that reasonable attempts be made to notify you of upcoming court proceedings.
- To attend court proceedings in your case.
- To a separate waiting area, away from the defendant.
- To have someone accompany you to court.
- To have your employer contacted regarding court appearances to minimize your loss of pay or benefits.
- To a speedy disposition of the case.
- To have your interests considered when the court is deciding to allow a delay in the case.
- To have your property returned to you as soon as it is no longer needed as evidence.
- To restitution for monetary losses resulting from the crime, and to a judgment for any unpaid restitution.
- To request an order for the defendant to submit to a test for sexually transmitted disease or HIV, in certain cases.
- In certain sexual assault cases, to have the interests of the victim considered by the court in excluding persons from a preliminary hearing.
- To
make a Victim Impact Statement at the time of sentencing.
- In Felony cases, to have the person preparing the presentencing report make reasonable efforts to contact you.
- Reasonable attempt by Department of Corrections to notify victims regarding: release or escape from custody, applications for parole by the defender, granting of personal leave or community residential confinement of certain offenders.
- To
contact the Department of Justice about any concerns you may have
about your treatment as a crime victim.
Wisconsin Victim Resource Center
1-800-446-6564 or (608) 264-9497
A victim of crime may also be eligible to compensation from Wisconsin’s Crime Victim Compensation Program, as outlined in State Statute 949. Some of the eligibility requirements and potential compensation are outlined below.
Who is eligible?
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An innocent victim who suffers injury from a crime. -
A dependent or legal representative of an innocent victim who has been killed as a result of a crime.
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A person who is injured while aiding a crime victim or helping a police officer.
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A person who suffers a reaction from the death of a family or household member.
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Persons who are injured in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver.
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Persons who report the crime to law enforcement within five days.
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Persons who did not cause or contribute to the crime.
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Persons who cooperated with law enforcement.
What compensation may be paid?
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Injury or death benefit up to $40,000.
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Medical, hospital, surgical, pharmacy, and mental health expenses.
Lost wages. -
Loss of support to dependants of victims.
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Reasonable replacement cost of clothing or bedding held as evidence.
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Reasonable replacement value for property held as evidence or made unusable by lab testing.
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Reasonable costs for securing and cleaning a scene, up to $1,000.
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Cost of homemaker services.
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Funeral services up to $2,000.
If you would like more information about how to exercise the rights that you have as a victim of crime, please contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator at the District Attorney’s Office.
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
|
Plover Police Department |
(715) 345-5255 |
| Portage County
District Attorney/Victim Witness 1516 Church Street Stevens Point, WI 54481 |
(715) 346-1300 |
| Portage County
Health & Human Services 817 Whiting Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 |
(715) 345-5350 |
| Wisconsin
Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services P.O. Box 7951 Madison, WI 53707-7951 |
(800) 446-6564 |
| Family Crisis
Center 1616 West River Drive Stevens Point, WI 54481 |
(715) 343-7125 (800) 472-3377 |
| Hmong Family Violence Hotline | (888) 345-5898 |
| Sexual Assault
Victim Services (SAVS) |
(715) 345-5276 |
Helpful links:
