The Abuse Resource Network & Therapy is staffed by a victim/witness coordinator. If you are a victim of a crime, you have involuntary become involved in the criminal justice system and our office is dedicated to advocating for your rights and helping you access appropriate resources.
Victim Witness Coordinator- The victim witness coordinator helps keep victims informed of the criminal justice process. They notify victims of court proceedings, assist with preparing victims for court, provide emotional support, and assist with submitting Victim Impact Statements, restitution claims, and other sources of information to the State's Attorney's Office. They work closely with the State's Attorney's Office helping them with information needed to prosecute your case. You may contact the coordinator by calling (701) 683-5061.
Victim Impact Statements
A Victim Impact Statement is an opportunity for you to explain, in your own words, how being a victim of crime has affected you and the people close to you. This statement may include an explanation by the victim of the nature and extent of any physical, psychological, or emotional harm or trauma suffered by the victim; an explanation of the extent of any economic loss or property damage suffered by the victim; an opinion of the need for and extent of restitution; and the victim's recommendation for an appropriate sentence.
A Victim Impact Statement may be submitted by the victim, family members of a deceased victim, or parents of a victim who is a child.
The information that you give in your statement is helpful to the court in understanding the full effects of the crime on you. It will be submitted to the judge prior to sentencing. This statement will also be shared with the State's Attorney Office, defendant's attorney, defendant, and possibly a probation or parole office. An oral victim impact statement may only be given in a case of violent crimes at the discretion of the judge. If you have any questions or if you wish to make an oral victim impact statement, please contact the victim witness coordinator at your earliest convenience. If an oral impact statement is given, it will be under oath and subject to cross examination by the defense.
Restitution
The court, when sentencing a person found guilty of criminal activity, may order the defendant make restitution to the victim or other recipient. In determining whether to order restitution the court will take into account:
The victim witness coordinator can assist you with submitting restitution claims to the State's Attorney's Office.
A Victim Impact Statement is an opportunity for you to explain, in your own words, how being a victim of crime has affected you and the people close to you. This statement may include an explanation by the victim of the nature and extent of any physical, psychological, or emotional harm or trauma suffered by the victim; an explanation of the extent of any economic loss or property damage suffered by the victim; an opinion of the need for and extent of restitution; and the victim's recommendation for an appropriate sentence.
A Victim Impact Statement may be submitted by the victim, family members of a deceased victim, or parents of a victim who is a child.
The information that you give in your statement is helpful to the court in understanding the full effects of the crime on you. It will be submitted to the judge prior to sentencing. This statement will also be shared with the State's Attorney Office, defendant's attorney, defendant, and possibly a probation or parole office. An oral victim impact statement may only be given in a case of violent crimes at the discretion of the judge. If you have any questions or if you wish to make an oral victim impact statement, please contact the victim witness coordinator at your earliest convenience. If an oral impact statement is given, it will be under oath and subject to cross examination by the defense.
Restitution
The court, when sentencing a person found guilty of criminal activity, may order the defendant make restitution to the victim or other recipient. In determining whether to order restitution the court will take into account:
- The reasonable damages sustained by the victim or victims of the criminal offense which directly relate to the criminal offense and expenses actually incurred as a direct result of the defendant's criminal action;
- The ability of the defendant to pay monetary reparations to the victim; and/or
- The likelihood that ordering restitution will serve a valid rehabilitation purpose.
The victim witness coordinator can assist you with submitting restitution claims to the State's Attorney's Office.
Crime Victims Compensation
North Dakota law (Crime Victims Reparation Act) provides monetary compensation to victims of criminal attacks who suffer bodily injury. Victims may be eligible for payments of medical expenses, lost wages, and mental health counseling. Dependent of deceased victims may also be eligible for certain benefits, including funeral expenses.
To receive a Crime Victims Compensation application, please contact the victim witness coordinator at (701) 683-5061.
Crime Victims Compensation Program (justice.gov)
Crime Victims Compensation | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
North Dakota law (Crime Victims Reparation Act) provides monetary compensation to victims of criminal attacks who suffer bodily injury. Victims may be eligible for payments of medical expenses, lost wages, and mental health counseling. Dependent of deceased victims may also be eligible for certain benefits, including funeral expenses.
To receive a Crime Victims Compensation application, please contact the victim witness coordinator at (701) 683-5061.
Crime Victims Compensation Program (justice.gov)
Crime Victims Compensation | North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
