FAQ

After a defendant is sent to prison, victims can be kept informed of the defendants status by writing the Department of Corrections, 2501 Blairstone Road, Tallahassee, Fl 32399-2500, Attn.: Victim Assistance, Telephone (904) 488-9166.
See our Corrections FAQ property mail and finance page.
If you are physically injured as a result of a crime, you may be eligible for monetary reimbursement of medical bills incurred and loss of wages through the Bureau of Crimes Compensation Program. The purpose of the program is to provide compensation to innocent victims of crimes or their families who suffer physical injury or death as a direct result of a crime. This is different from restitution paid by the defendant. In order to apply for Crimes Compensation, contact P.B.C. Victim Services at 561-355-2418 for further assistance. These forms are also available through hospitals, police departments, the State Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Office.
In addition to any punishment, the Court shall order the defendant to make restitution to the victim for damage or loss caused directly or indirectly by the defendant's offense. Restitution may be monetary or no-monetary. The State Attorney has the responsibility to present to the Court the dollar amount and items to be considered in any restitution hearing. For this reason the Victim Impact Statement Form must be filled out and documentation supplied to the Assistant State Attorney handling the case at the earliest possible time. After inmate's release any questions about restitution can be asked of Probation Dept. at 561-837-5175.
All property will promptly be returned to victims and witnesses, upon approval from the case filing agency, unless there is a compelling law enforcement reason for retaining it.
Victims' or the victim's relative has the right to advanced notification of judicial proceedings and the right to be present at the proceeding. Any victim, relative of a minor who is a victim, or relative of a homicide victim shall receive from the appropriate agency, at the address found in the police report or the victim notification card, if such has been provided to the agency, prompt advance notification, unless the agency itself does not have advance notification of judicial and post judicial proceedings relating to their case, including all proceedings or hearings relating to:
  1. The arrest of an accused
  2. The release of the accused pending judicial proceedings or any modification of release conditions; and
  3. Proceedings in the prosecution or petition of deliquency of the accused, including the filing of the accusatory instrument, the arraignment, disposition of the accusatory instrument, trial or adjudicatory hearing, sentencing or disposition hearing, appellate review, subsequent modification of sentence, collateral attack of a judgment, and, when a term of imprisonment, detention, or involuntary commitment is imposed, the release of the defendant or juvenile offender from such imprisonment, detention, or commitment by expiration of sentence or parole and any meeting held to consider such release.
Many times sentencing of a defendant who pleads guilty or is found guilty takes place at the status conference or trial proceeding. If it is determined that sentencing will occur at a later time, you will receive notification of the scheduled date. Because sentencing can occur at any state, it is important to have your Victim Impact Statement Form completed and returned to the State Attorney's Office as soon as possible.
Absolutely! You own the house!! You pay the rent!! We can recall many situations where parents have asked us to assist them in searching the room. In one instance a child had installed a dead bolt lock to his bedroom door that his parents did not have a key to along with many instances where we have found guns, money and drugs along with gang material. If you suspect your sons or daughters are involved with gangs, or drugs - search their bedroom. If you don't have an extended family to confront your son or daughter, look to your coworkers, neighbors, parishioners, gang officers, etc. You must become resourceful. Drastic times call for drastic measures!
Sometime after the magistrate hearing and before the arraignment, you may be notified to appear at the State Attorney's Office to give sworn statements regarding the crime. Your attendance is very important. The case against the accused may proceed with or without your cooperation. The accused will not be present at this meeting.
A status conference is a court proceeding in which the prosecuting and defense attorneys discuss the situation of the case. At this time the courts are informed of possible plea agreement or the availability of victims/witnesses for trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached. In addition, if the defendant, State or Court is not ready for trail and a plea agreement cannot be reached, the judge will grant a continuance of the case. If both the State and the defense cannot agree to a plea and a continuance is not granted by the judge, then the case will be scheduled for trial. If the defendant pleads guilty at this time, sentence may be imposed at the time of the plea or a sentencing date will be scheduled. It is important for you to appear at the sentencing hearing if you would like your feelings to be taken into consideration. Certain motions concerning legal issues may be heard at the status conference. Occasionally, a witness may be needed on a pretrial motion. If your presence is required, you will be subpoenaed well in advance of the hearing. Please note that court dates and hearings may be changed by the Court when there is an emergency or legal necessity therefore you should maintain regular contact with the Victim Advocate Unit and the prosecuting Assistant State Attorney.

Filter By

Accessibility by WAH