The Victim/Witness Program of the Finney County Attorney's Office is designed to answer questions and provide assistance to you in dealing with the criminal and juvenile justice system. This page contains basic information with an explanation of the steps that are involved in typical criminal and juvenile prosecution cases. The State of Kansas also provides the following services to victims of crime:

• Crime Victims Assistance: Helps to ensure efficient and effective statewide coordination of local crime victim and witness assistance programs and direct assistance to crime victims and their families. The program also educates and trains the public, professionls, and victims' advocates on crime victims' rights. In addition, the program is responsible for administering numerous state and federal grant funds which provide services to the victims of crime.
• Crime Victims Compensation Board: Provides victims with financial assistance for loss of earnings and out-of-pocket loss for injuries sustained as a direct result of violent crime. This includes reasonable medical care, mental health counseling or other services necessary as a result of the injury. In the event of the death of the victim, reasonable medical expenses and the partial cost of funeral, burial or cremation is reimbursable.

  Victims or their representatives can apply for compensation by filing a Declaration of Eligibility Form with the Crime Victims' Compensation Board. The form is available in the Finney County Attorneys's Office or by contacting the Crime Victims' Compensation Board in Topeka, KS at (785) 296-2359.

• Plea hearings may be scheduled if plea negotiations have been pursued by the county attorney's office.
• If you are seeking restitution for damages you must submit proof of loss to the Victim/Witness Coordinator.
• Notices of all hearings will be sent to victims if we have current addresses. It is not required that you attend all hearings unless you have a subpoena.

As a victim or witness of a crime, your assistance is vital to our system of criminal justice. This system is absolutely dependant upon your cooperation. Without your help in reporting and testifying about crime, it would not be possible to successfully prosecute criminals. Crime is a community concern, and only through a cooperative effort can we make our community the best that it can be.

 

John P. Wheeler, Jr.
Finney County Attorney

Marissa Ruiz
Victim/Witness Coordinator