Victim Assistance Program

The Victim Assistance Program is a vital component of the FBI's comprehensive criminal investigative efforts. The FBI is mandated by the Victim Rights and Restitution Act of 1990, 18 United States Code, Section 3771, the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, and FBI policy to identify and assist all victims of federal crime where the FBI is the primary investigative agency.

 A victim of a federal crime has the following rights under 18 United States Code, Section 3771:

• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused;

• The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused;

• The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after reviewing clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim  heard other testimony at the proceeding;

• The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving the release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding;

• The right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case;

• The right to full and timely restitution as provided by law;

• The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay;

• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.

The victim assistance program is designed to provide information and assistance to a person directly and proximately harmed as a result of the commission of a federal offense or an offense in the District of Columbia if the offense is charged in federal district court.

The Victim Specialist is the primary point of contact during this segment of the criminal justice process. The FBI Victim Specialist can provide information and referral for emergency medical, financial help, and support services for needs resulting from federal crimes.

A federal investigation can be complex and lengthy. It may involve several agencies, both federal and local. Many victims will have questions and the Victim Assistance Program exists to help provide answers. The FBI's responsibilities for assisting victims is continuous as long as a case is pending final disposition or until it is turned over to the Untied States Attorney's Office for adjudication.

Victims of federal crime are entered into the Department of Justice's National Victim Notification System (VNS). VNS provides two important services to victims: information and notification. VNS can inform victims of an offender's custody status such as arrest, bail, bond, furlough release, or death. It can also provide information on scheduled court hearings, whether the case is declined for prosecution, or whether the case is being referred to local or state authorities for prosecution.

The FBI recognizes that victims experience anger, confusion, frustration, fear, and other reactions as a result of the crime. Many victims have questions and problems that often arise during an investigation. Our Victim Assistance Program is available to assist in answering those questions and getting those problems solved.

The Denver Division currently has three Victim Specialists available to assist victims of  federal crime.

◊                Denver Division Field Office            307-629-7171

◊                Durango, Colorado RA                  970-247-2797 

◊                Lander, Wyoming RA                  307-335-7559

Please visit the following web sites for further assistance:

            Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance                          www.ColoOrg.com

            Victim Services 2000                                                             www.vs2000.org

            The Denver Center for Crime Victims                                     www.denvervictims.org

            Wyoming Division of Victim Services                                     http://vssi.state.wy.us

The organizations listed above are provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement