Victim Services Resource Directory

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Crime Victim Compensation

18th Judicial District serving Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert & Lincoln Counties

For years victims have been neglected by the criminal justice system, which focused on defendants rather than on those who are hurt and injured. We have been striving to correct this by providing support and restitution for victims of crime in the 18th Judicial District.

If you or a loved one has been victimized by a violent crime, the Victim Compensation Program may be able to help. While no amount of money can ease the trauma of violent crime, Victim Compensation can help relieve the resulting financial burden on victims and their families.

If you desire such help, please contact the Victim Compensation Unit of the District Attorney's Office at 720-874-8787 or VictimComp@da18.state.co.us.

Recognizing the impact of crime on innocent victims, the State of Colorado has enacted the Crime Victim Compensation Act. Funds are collected as fines from juveniles and adults who have been convicted of crimes. Awards to victims are made by the Crime Victim Compensation Board of the District, whose three members are volunteer citizens appointed by the District Attorney.

Who Qualifies for Victim Compensation?

You may be eligible to receive crime victim compensation if:

You or your family are victims of a violent crime in Colorado, or
You or your family are residents of Colorado who have been victimized in a state or country that does not have a victim compensation program or will not cover your loss.
Persons who are authorized to act on behalf of a crime victim

To be eligible for victim compensation in Colorado, you must meet certain criteria from the Crime Victim Compensation Statute:

Law enforcement officials must be notified of the crime within 72 hours.
Victim must cooperate fully with law en forcement officials In the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrator. There does NOT have to be an arrest or conviction to pay compensation.
Application must be made within one year of the offense.
The injury cannot result from the victim's own wrongdoing.
Health insurance, car insurance or home owner's insurance must be used, where applicable.

The local victim compensation board may waive some of these requirements for good cause or in the interest of justice. This includes application deadlines.

What Losses Are Eligible for Victim Compensation?

Losses directly related to the compensable crime are eligible for reimbursement, and may include:

Medical and hospital expenses
Mental Health counseling
Replacement or repair of dentures, hearing aids, eyeglasses and other medically necessary devices.
Funeral/Burial expenses (Cemetery and Mortuary)
Loss of Earnings - not covered by sick time, vacation time or PTO
Loss of Support to Dependents
Replacement of exterior doors, locks or windows on residential buildings damaged during the commission of a crime.
Rekeying of car locks

Victim Compensation cannot consider claims for:

Repair of Motor Vehicles
Property Loss and/or Damage
Rent and other personal bills
Moving Expenses
Loss of cash
Pain and Suffering
Dog Bites
Security Systems or monitoring

Financial Limitations

Some financial limitations DO exist. Please contact Victim Compensation for further details.

To Request and Application or Get More Information Regarding Victim Compensation, please contact our office:

By Phone: 720-874-8787

By Email: victimcomp@da18.state.co.us

Web: http://www.da18.org/victimservices/victimcompensation.aspx

Forensic Medical Evidence

RIGHTS AFFORDED TO VICTIMS

V I C T I M S W H O H A V E H A D

F O R E N S I C M E D I C A L

E V I D E N C E C O L L E C T E D

RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED

(LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTING)

For a victim who has had forensic medical evidence collected pursuant to section 12-240-139(1)(b) of the Colorado Revised Statute that has not resulted in a conviction or plea of guilty, a victim has a right to be notified by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the case, upon a victim's request, of that status and location of a victim's forensic medical evidence, including:

The right to be notified that the forensic medical evidence has been submitted to an accredited crime lab for testing.
The right to be notified when the law enforcement agency has received the results of the medical forensic evidence DNA analysis from the accredited crime lab.
The right to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and whether or not there are matches to DNA profiles in state or federal databases.
The right to be informed at least 60 days prior to the destruction of forensic medical evidence collected in connection with the alleged sex offense.
The right to file, prior to the expiration of the 60 day period, an objection with the law enforcement agency, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or the accredited crime lab that is proposing to destroy the forensic medical evidence.
The right to be informed of any change in status of the case, including if the case has been closed or reopened.
The right to receive a physical document identifying the rights under the law after the exam has been completed.

Colorado Reporting Options

Colorado offers three reporting options for adult survivors of sexual assaults ages 18 to 69. Please note, due to other mandatory reporting obligations, these reporting options do not apply to minors or at-risk adults.

1. Law Enforcement Report

A victim reports the sexual assault to law enforcement and engages in the criminal justice system. Under this option, the sexual assault evidence collection kit will be sent for DNA testing at a crime lab within 21 days of when police obtain the kit from the medical facility. The testing process can take 4 to 6 months but must be completed within 180 days (6 months). Evidence collection kits are held by law enforcement for at least the statute of limitations.

2. Medical Report

A victim chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam, including evidence collection, but at that time chooses not to participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence and information are released to law enforcement with the victim's name an contact information. This option allows forensic evidence to be tested at an accredited crime lab within 21 days of its receipt by the law enforcement agency, unless a victim does not, or withdraws, consent to testing.

The testing process can take 4 to 6 months but must be completed within 180 days (6 months). Regardless of DNA testing, evidence collection kits are held by law enforcement for at least the statute of limitations. At any point after initially deciding not to report to law enforcement, a victim can change his/her mind an file a law enforcement report to start an investigation.

3. Anonymous Report

A victim chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam, but at that time chooses not to participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence and information are released to law enforcement without the victim's name and contact information. The medical facility will have a victim' contact information, but law enforcement will not. An anonymous reporting victim will not automatically have his/her evidence collection kit submitted for DNA testing at a crime lab. Instead, the evidence will be stored at the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the assault happened for at least the statute of limitations. The medical facility will provide the victim with a case number, which can be used to find the sexual assault evidence collection kit

if at any point after initially deciding not to report to law enforcement, a victim changes his/her mind and wants to work with law enforcement and start an investigation.

Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Facilities

The following hospitals have SANE/FNE programs who can provide medical care and conduct a medical forensic exam.

Children's Hospital 720-777-1234

Denver Health 303-436-6000

Lincoln Health 719-743-2421

UC Health: - Aurora 720-848-8400

UC Health - Highlands Ranch 720-516-1000

UC Health - Colorado Springs 719-365-5000

See "Community Resources" Tab for Law Enforcement and Advocacy Services contact information.