THE CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION FUND

The Crime Victims Compensation Fund provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes. Types of crimes covered are sexual assault, family violence, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, assault, homicide, child abuse, and other crimes where the victim suffers physical or emotional harm or death. Motor vehicle crimes covered include DWI, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, aggravated assault and intoxication manslaughter.

If you would like to talk with someone about your case or receive an application, please call the Office of the Attorney General or the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund at 512-936-1200 or 1-800-983-9933.

Rights of Crime Victims

1. The right to protection from threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts.
2. The right to have your safety and that of your family taken into consideration when bail is being considered.
3. If you request, the right to be informed in advance about court proceedings, including cancellations or schedule changes.
4. If you request, the right to information about procedures in the criminal investigations of your case by law enforcement officials and about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea bargaining, restitution, appeals and parole from the prosecutor’s office.
5. The right to information about the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund, which provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes and, if you request, referral to social service agencies that may provide additional help.
6. The right to provide information to the probation department conducting a presentence investigation on the impact of the crime.
7. The right to have a law enforcement agency pay for medical examinations for victims of sexual assault and the right to request counseling regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for sexual assault victims.
8. If you request, the right to be notified of parole proceedings by the Victim Services Section of the Pardons and Paroles Division, the right to participate in the parole process by submitting a victim impact statement or other information, and the right to be notified of the inmate’s release.
9. The right to be present at all public court proceedings, if the presiding judge permits.
10. The right to a safe waiting area before and during court proceedings.
11. The right to prompt return of any property that is no longer required as evidence.
12. If you request, the right to have the prosecutor notify your employer that the need for your testimony may involve your absence from work.
13. The right to complete a victim impact statement, detailing the emotional, physical and financial impact that the crime has had on you and your family, and to have that statement considered by the judge at sentencing and by the parole board prior to taking any parole action.