Texas Crime Victims’ Rights and Compensation Fund
If you are the victim of a violent crime (including sexual assault and many forms of dating and family violence) or if you are the guardian or a close relative of a victim, you have certain rights in the justice system. In some cases, this includes the right financial compensation from the state Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund for money that the crime cost you (like medical costs or time taken off work to help the police).
Please visit the Texas Attorney General’s website to see if you are eligible for Crime Victims Compensation.
For 24-hour-information on jail status and court events, call 1-877-894-8463.
If you live outside of Texas, please visit the National Association of Criminal Victims for more information about your particular state.
Texas Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights
This is the crime victims’ bill of rights as laid out on the Texas Attorney General’s website.
The state of Texas intends that victims of crime receive the following safeguards, assurances and considerations:
- Receive adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts;
- have their safety considered by the magistrate when setting bail;
- receive information, on request, of relevant court proceedings, including appellate proceedings, of cancellations and rescheduling prior to the event, and appellate court decisions after the decisions are entered but before they are made public;
- be informed, when requested, by a peace officer about the defendant’s right to bail and criminal investigation procedures, and from the prosecutor’s office about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea agreements, restitution, appeals and parole;
- provide pertinent information concerning the impact of the crime to the probation department prior to sentencing;
- information about the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and payment for a medical examination for a victim of sexual assault, and, on request, referral to social service agencies that provide additional assistance;
- information, on request, about parole procedures; notification of parole proceedings and of the inmate’s release; and the opportunity to participate in the parole process by submitting written information to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for inclusion in the defendant’s file for consideration by the Board prior to parole;
- a separate or secure waiting area at all public court proceedings;
- prompt return of any property that is no longer needed as evidence;
- have the prosecutor notify, upon request, an employer that the need for the victim’s testimony may involve the victim’s absence from work;
- on request, counseling and testing regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for victims of sexual assault;
- request victim-offender mediation coordinated by the Victim Services Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and
- be informed of the use and purpose of a victim impact statement, to complete a victim impact statement and to have the statement considered before sentencing and acceptance of a plea bargain and before an inmate is released on parole.
If you are a pregnant minor in Texas, Jane’s Due Process is here to help you understand and exercise your legal rights. You are not alone. CALL Jane’s Due Process’ Legal Hotline: 1-866-WWW-JANE or 1-866-999-5263. Or TEXT to 512-270-7190.
