Welcome To The State Attorney’s Office, 18th Judicial Circuit:

Victim Witness Services Division

Since 1986, the innocent victims of crime in Brevard and Seminole counties have had access to a comprehensive Victim Witness Program through the State Attorney’s Office. State Attorney Phil Archer has vowed to continue the tradition of providing the essential elements of Victim’s Rights as outlined in one of the advocacy group’s standards, the Presidential Task Force formed by former President Ronald Reagan. From the fledgling Victim-Witness Services Division of 1986, to the award-winning and nationally recognized division of today, the office continues to have one all-important focal point: Serving the victims of crime.

Purpose of Victim Services

In the aftermath of crime, victims often experience emotional pain and trauma as well as confusion concerning the legal process. The Victim Witness Services Division is dedicated to ensuring that the needs and the rights of crime victims and witnesses are met through compliance with the law, and with respectful and fair treatment. On January 3, 1989, with the enactment of Article 1, Section 16, Paragraph (b), of the Florida Constitution, the State of Florida became the first state in the nation to change their constitution to include the rights of crime victims.

As a victim or witness of crime, you have certain rights and are entitled to information regarding what you may expect from the criminal justice system and how you may receive any available assistance needed as a result of the crime. Section 960.001, Florida Statutes, provides legal rights established for crime victims.

Understanding Your Role and Rights As A Victim of Crime

As a victim of crime in the State of Florida, you have an important role in the administration of justice. This role involves cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and possible prosecution of a criminal case. Victims of crime are often called as witnesses in a case. This means you may be required to be present at various stages of the criminal justice process to provide truthful testimony.

It also means that you are entitled to certain rights within the criminal justice system, and to assistance from the State Attorney in asserting these rights.

Rights of a Crime Victim

Notification of the arrest, release or escape of the accused, if possible
Advance notice of all court proceedings, if time permits
Information on steps concerning freedom from intimidation
Notification of scheduling changes
Opportunity to have a victim advocate present during depositions
Assistance in obtaining the return of recovered property
A prompt and timely disposition of the case
Prompt notification of the results of court proceedings
To be informed, present and heard, when relevant, at all criminal proceedings
Assistance in obtaining Crime Victim Compensation, restitution, and other services to which you may be entitled
Upon request, notification to your employer and/or school when you must appear in court
Opportunity to submit an oral or written impact statement at the time of sentencing

No person, on the grounds of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, marital status, gender identity, language spoken, sexual orientation or disability shall be excluded from participation in; be denied proceeds or benefits of; be denied aid in accessing; or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the delivery of services, programs or activities, from this office.

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in any proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

If you require assistance please contact:

Brevard Court Administration (321) 633-2171 ext. 2
Seminole County Administration (407) 665-4227

Stages of the Criminal Justice Process

Criminal cases generally follow the sequence shown below, however, no two cases are alike and variations do occur in some instances:

Crime Committed
Police Investigation
Arrest
First Appearance
Arraignment
Hearings and Depositions
Trial
Sentencing

Contacting Victim Services

In Brevard County call (321) 617-7510
In Seminole County call (407) 665-6000

What is a Victim Advocate and What Services Do They Provide?

Victims of crime are entitled to information regarding what to expect from the criminal justice system and how to receive available assistance. The State Attorney's Office is staffed with Victim Advocates who provide the following services:

Emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime
Information concerning stages in the criminal or juvenile justice process, and the role of the victim
Courtroom orientation and accompaniment
Crisis intervention services and groups
Referrals to social service agencies
Assistance in filing Florida Crime Victim Compensation claims
Support Groups for some crimes

Specialized Programs Provided by Our Victim Services Division

In addition to our other services, the Victim Witness Services Division also has specific advocates to help individualized victim populations, and a specific unit to offer assistance to witnesses.

Sexual Assault (Rape) Victim Services: - Getting Help
Domestic Violence Victim Services
Florida Crime Victim Compensation Program: - Application for Compensation (English); - Application for Compensation (Spanish)
Support Groups
Witness Management Program

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is an annual commemoration of crime victims during the month of April. Visit our site on local activities during National Victims' Rights Week.

Information for Victim and Witnesses of Crime Brochure

Brochure