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1. Who do I contact if I have been a victim of a crime?

You may contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program in the Chisago County Attorney's office at 651-213-8400.

2. Where's the Victim Witness Assistance Program Located?

We are located in the County Attorney's Office:

• Chisago County Government Center
  313 N. Main St.
  3rd Floor, Room 373
  Center City, MN 55012

Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

3. What should I expect in a criminal proceeding?

The court process is often lengthy and confusing. The following is a general outline of the criminal prosecution states. Individual cases may vary.

• First Appearance - where the bail is set, conditions of release are ordered and a public defender is appointed, if appropriate
• Omnibus Hearing - where the defendant can plead guilty or not guilty
• If the plea is not guilty, a pre-trial hearing is set
• Pre-Trial Hearing - where plea agreements are negotiated with input from victims
• Victim presence is not required but is recommended
• If defendant pleads guilty, sentencing is on the same day
• If defendant please not guilty in any case, trial date is set
• Trial - where witnesses testify about the facts of the case
• Can be with or without a jury
• Victim is required to come if subpoenaed
• Sentencing - if the defendant is found guilty, judge imposes punishment which can include jail or prison time, fines, community service, restitution to the victim, terms of probation, counseling or treatment programs, etc
• Victim is encouraged to attend and give a Victim Impact Statement

4. What is Restitution?

Restitution is a court order for money that an offender pays to the victim for any out-of-pocket expenses that occurred as a direct result of the crime. Restitution can be ordered both in adult and juvenile criminal cases at sentencing (adult) and disposition (juvenile) hearings.

5. How can I request restitution?

You must complete an Affidavit of Restitution form. Here you will provide a list of your losses, the dollar value of repair or replacement, and receipts or reasons justifying the amounts. The form should be filed as soon as possible. Examples of losses covered by restitution include, but are not limited to:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills not covered by insurance
• Repair or replacement of stolen or damaged property
• Transportation

Copies of bills, receipts, insurance claim forms and estimates should be attached to the Affidavit of Restitution form. The form must also be stamped, notarized and include the defendant's name and court file numbers. If you need help or assistance completing the Affidavit of Restitution form, please contact the Chisago County Victim Witness Assistance Program:

• 313 N. Main St.
  Room 373
  Center City, MN 55012
  Ph: 651-213-8400

6. What is Reparation?

Reparation is money available to assist victims with certain costs incurred as a result of a crime, such as:

• Counseling costs
• Funeral expenses
• Lost wages
• Medical care
• Substitute child care

Property damage or loss is not covered.

Most claims must be filed within 3 years of the incident. Victims of violent crimes should file a claim for reparations even if they are also requesting restitution. It is not guaranteed the offender will pay restitution and not all victims are eligible for reparations. The Chisago County Victim Witness Assistance Program can assist you with that process, 651-213-8400.

7. What is the difference between Restitution and Reparation?

Restitution:

• Can only be ordered for expenses directly related to a crime, including property losses
• Financial responsibility of the defendant
• Only available if the offender is convicted of a crime and the judge orders it to be paid

Reparations:

• Available for victims of violent crimes regardless of whether the case is charged or the offender is found guilty
• Does not cover property losses
• Financial assistance from the government
• Only available for victims of crimes reported to law enforcement