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Victim and Witness Resources
Office of the State's Attorney for Prince George's County
Our goal is to ensure the rights of victims and witnesses by providing the necessary assistance and services to speed their recovery from a criminal act and to support and advocate for them as they move through the criminal justice process. Services are standardized statewide to include components such as case status notification, court accompaniment, referral for counseling services, and safe waiting areas.
Assistance, services & information provided but not limited to:
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Criminal justice process
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Case status through a letter notification process
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Crisis Intervention
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Referrals to community services
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Assistance with Victim-Impact Statements
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Courtroom orientation and accompaniment
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Parole input
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Referrals available for medical testing and counseling for victims at risk of disease transmission
VICTIM WITNESS UNIT
The Victim Witness Unit provides victims and witnesses with information, support, and advocacy services, and their families while involved in the criminal justice system.
Victim/Witness Coordinators help victims deal with the feelings of confusion, frustration, fear, and anger that they may be feeling from the process. They will also explain to the victim, their rights as a victim or witness, and provide the victim with a better understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system.
Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights
Under Maryland Law, victims of crime must be:
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Treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity
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Informed of their rights & how to apply for services, support groups and other social services available
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Notified of crisis intervention and counseling services
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Notified of domestic violence programs and support groups
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Notified of criminal injuries compensation and other social services available
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Informed of protections available to them and how to request protections for their safety
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Informed by the police or the State's Attorney of the arrest of a suspect and closing of the case.
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Notified of court hearings and offender custody status
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Permitted to be present and heard at criminal justice proceedings, or request hearings when applicable
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Permitted to seek restitution from their offender(s)
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Permitted to request notice about any DNA profile or report in their case
If you are a victim of crime in Maryland, and need more information about your rights visit, www.goccp.maryland.gov
MARYLAND VINE
VINE is an automated service that can provide you with information on the custody status of offenders and upcoming court hearing dates. It is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day. Operator assistance in using the VINE system is also available by telephone 24 hours a day.
VINE is an additional resource for victims of crime. We encourage you to also register for court and offender status notification from the state by filling out a Crime Victim Notification Request Form for the State’s Attorney’s Office and by contacting the individual agency victim services units within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).