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One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013
212-335-9000 - Click for More Contact Info
Crime Victims' Rights
Victims have certain rights in the criminal justice system. Depending upon the type and disposition of the case, a victim may be entitled to:
- Protection from threats, physical injury, or other types of intimidation. Obtain an order of protection from the court.
- Protection from employer dismissal or penalties for attendance at a criminal action as long as the employer is notified at least one day in advance. Wages, however, may be withheld for time spent attending the criminal action.
- Financial compensation from the New York State Crime Victims Board.
- Retrieve their stolen property held as evidence unless there is a compelling reason for retaining it.
- Make a statement to the Department of Probation for consideration by the judge when determining the defendant's sentence.
- Request restitution as part of a defendant's sentence.
- Make an oral statement to the court at the defendant's sentencing.
- Notification of the final disposition of the case.
- Make a written or oral statement to the New York Division of Parole for consideration when determining whether to parole an inmate from a state correctional facility.
- Receive an automated and/or written notification of the release of an inmate from a city or state correctional facility.
New York State Crime Victims Board
The New York State Crime Victims Board is a state agency responsible for compensating victims of crime for certain un-reimbursed losses incurred as a result of their victimization. The Crime Victims Board is composed of five board members appointed by the Governor. Each compensation claim is assigned to a Board member for the purpose of making an award determination. The agency was established in 1966.
Compensation awards are made for losses that are not covered by insurance benefits. Examples of compensation benefits covered by the Crime Victims Board are medical expenses, loss of earnings or support, burial expenses, counseling expenses, repair or replacement of essential personal property, the cost of residing at or utilizing the services of a domestic violence shelter, and crime scene cleanup expenses. Rules and regulations governing compensation, eligibility, claims, awards, appeals, etc., are stipulated in Executive Law, Article 22.
For more information, forms, and publications, please access New York State Crime Victims Board website at http://www.cvb.state.ny.us, or the following brochure The New York County District Attorney’s Witness Aid Services Unit assists victims in filing compensation claims through the Crime Victims Board.
Victim Notification of Inmate’s Release
The Victim Information & Notification Everyday system (VINE) is a 24 hour, seven day a week automated service which provides information and release notifications to victims for inmates in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction and the New York State Department of Correctional Services. Victims can register to be notified by phone or e-mail of an offender’s release from incarceration. VINE’s toll-free telephone number for both the City and State system is 1-888-VINE4NY.
The following link will direct you to the VINE website for more information and to register for inmate release notifications - https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink. The New York County District Attorney’s Witness Aid Services Unit assists victims in registering for inmate release notifications through the VINE system.Please refer to the unit’s brochure for additional information.