Victim Witness
Victim Witness
The purpose of the Lebanon County Victim/Witness Program is to help crime victims receive fair and compassionate treatment while participating in the criminal justice system.
As a crime victim, you have certain rights. Some of your rights are as follows:
The right to be told…
- about services available in your county
- about significant court events,
- about the release, transfer or escape of a juvenile or adult offender
- the details of the final disposition of a case
The right to receive…
- information about restitution
- assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation
- accompaniment to court proceedings by a family member, support person or Victim/Witness Service Provider
- help in preparing a Victim Impact Statement
The right to provide input …
- into disposition/sentencing decisions
- into the parole process
- into post disposition/sentencing decisions to post disposition/sentencing decisions
Services Available Via the Victim Witness Program
The VW Program
provides the following potential services to crime victims:
- Accompaniment to Court proceedings
- Accompaniment to interviews with police and/or prosecutors
- Assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation
- Assistance with Victim Impact Statements
- Case Status Information
- Courtroom Orientation
- Notification of Significant Court Proceedings when Requested
- Plea Input when Requested
- Referrals to Community Agencies
The VW Program is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to assist police in their interviews with and services to victims.
Victim/Witness Service Providers are available to provide assistance and support to crime victims. If you need additional information, please contact the Victim/Witness Program at (717) 228-4412.
Crime Victims’ Compensation
is a state program that pays money to eligible victims and their families for expenses such as medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral expenses or crime scene cleanup. Please note that all other resources such as insurance and workers’ compensation must be used before a claim will be considered.
To file a compensation claim, please contact a Victim/Witness Service Provider at 717-228-4412.
Restitution
is money paid to the victim and/or their insurance company by the person who committed the crime. Claims may include expenses such as, stolen cash or property, damaged property, medical expenses, funeral expenses or crime scene cleanup. Please note that Restitution Claims must be filed prior to final disposition of the case.
To file a Restitution claim complete the application form and mail along with supporting documentation to the Lebanon County Victim Witness Program 400 South 8th Street Room 402 Lebanon, PA 17042. Click here (PDF version). For assistance in filing a claim you may also contact a Victim/Witness Service Provider at (717) 228-4412.
PA SAVIN
is an automated service that allows victims and witnesses to track the custody of offenders in jail or prison over the phone or internet. Victims and witnesses can register to be notified by phone, email and/or text if the custody status of an offender changes.
To access offender custody information:
Call 1-866-972-7284
Visit https://pcv.pccd.pa.gov/available-services/Pages/Register-for-Offender-Release-Notification.aspx
Download the VINEmobile app
Subpoenas
are Court Orders and must be complied with. Upon receipt of a subpoena, please call (717) 273-8846 and leave your detailed contact information, including name, address and phone number(s), as well as defendant’s name and action number. After providing the aforementioned information, you need not report unless contacted by the District Attorney’s Office. You must, however, remain available at all times throughout the subpoenaed dates
If you fail to call and provide detailed contact information, you must appear at the date and time listed on the subpoena.
If you have questions regarding a subpoena, please contact the Victim Witness Program at (717) 228-4412.