Important Links
Illinois Crime Victims Bill of Rights
The Illinois Constitution and Illinois statutes provide that crime victims shall have the following rights:
- The right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process.
- The right to notification of court proceedings.
- The right to communicate with the prosecution.
- The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing.
- The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.
- The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.
- The right to be reasonably protected from the accused through the criminal justice process.
- The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is expected to testify and the court determines that the victim’s testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.
- The right to have present at all court proceedings, including proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, subject to the admonition of the rules of confidentiality and subject to the rules of evidence, a victim-witness specialist, an advocate, or other support person of the victim’s choice.
- The right to restitution.
*Under Illinois law, “A statement and explanation of the rights of crime victims…shall be given to a crime victim at the initial contact with the criminal justice system by the appropriate authorities and shall be conspicuously posted in all court facilities,” (725 ILCS 120/4(b)), The law requires that some of these rights must be requested by the crime victim in writing. Please contact your local State’s Attorney’s office or the Attorney General’s toll-free Crime Victims Assistance Line for more information.
- Domestic Violence Division
- Victim/Witness Coordinator
- Victim/Witness Coordinator for Juvenile Services
- Traffic Division
Domestic Violence Division was established in 2003 with Department of Justice grant.
- Assist victims of Domestic Violence by prosecuting their abuser, holding them accountable for their actions.
- Assist with preparation of order of protection paperwork for emergency & plenary orders of protection.
- Accompany victims of court for orders of protection & notifying them of upcoming court dates.
- Follow up victim contacts
- Notify victims of available resources, such as counseling, housing, & financial assistance.
- Investigator interviews defendants prior to appointment of counsel.
To request assistance, victim simply needs to call or come to the Domestic Violence Unit. He or she will be directed to appropriate services for their particular situation.
Domestic Violence Division Ext. 1290, 1219
The Victim/Witness Coordinator of the State’s Attorney’s Office was formed in 1985 through the Office of the Illinois Attorney General to serve the needs of victims and witnesses of violent crimes. The primary function is to provide information, referrals and professional support during your involvement with the criminal justice process.
- Explain the investigative and judicial process
- Advise you about the status of your case
- Facilitate communication between you and the State
- Explain your rights as a crime victim
- Assist you with the Crime Victim’s Compensation
- Help you prepare victim impact statements
- Facilitate the availability of witnesses for trials and hearings
- Violent crime advocacy
- Assist with restitution
The Victim/Witness Coordinator for Juvenile Services was formed in to serve juvenile victims and adult witnesses and victims of Juvenile crimes. The primary goal of the Williamson County Juvenile Victim/Witness program is to provide Juvenile Court System. A brief list of services is found below.
- Explain the Judicial process
- Provide emotional support throughout your case
- Provide Court escort to all hearings
- Advise you of the status of your case
- Assist in locating and using specialized resources available from public and private community based programs
- Assist with restitution
- Assist with Crime Victim’s Compensation
- Explain your rights as a crime victim
- Coordinate the availability of witnesses for trials/hearings
- Follow-up contact with victims
Assistant State’s Attorney John C. Currie, DUI, Felony Traffic
Assistant State’s Attorney Mandy Combs, Traffic
Traffic Legal Secretary, Donna Williams Ext. 1207
Traffic Legal Secretary, Kim Murray Ext. 1215