Victim & Witness Services
The Office of Will County State's Attorney James W. Glasgow provides a Victim and Witness Program to crime victims who reside or were victimized in the County of Will.
Our Victim Advocates will assess needs, explain services, are responsible for informing victims of their rights, providing support during the criminal justice process, may accompany victims to court, and will refer victims to other services when appropriate.
The Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses
The Constitution of the State of Illinois declares that crime victims have certain legal rights. These rights ensure that they are treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice system.
Additionally, the laws which preserve the rights of crime victims also affords certain basic rights and considerations to the witnesses of violent crime--the people who are essential to successful prosecution.
As passed by the Illinois General Assembly, these rights include:
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The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process
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The right to notification of court proceedings
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The right to communicate with the prosecution
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The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing
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The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused
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The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused
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The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process
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The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is to testify and the court determines that the victim's testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial
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The right to have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate or other support person of the victim's choice
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The right to restitution
Can I receive compensation for physical injuries suffered?
If you sustain physical injuries and the injuries are from certain violent crimes, then you can file with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office under the Victim Compensation Act. Victim’s Compensation can reimburse you for medical expenses and loss of earnings. It only covers expenses NOT covered by your insurance company. It DOES NOT apply to property damage. You are eligible for Victim’s Compensation if:
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You are injured as a result of a violent crime committed or attempted against you
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You have a loss resulting from injury of $200.00 or more after deducting any benefits or payments from Workman’s Compensation or private insurance (those 65 years of age or older are exempt from this requirement)
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You notify the police within 72 hours of the crime
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You cooperate fully with law enforcement officials in the apprehension and prosecution of the offender
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You are not related to or living in the same household as the offender
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Your injury was not the result of any provocation on your part
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You file an application for compensation with the Illinois Court of Claims within one year of the injury
Contact the Attorney General and/or the Will County State’s Attorney’s Victim & Witness Services if you would like to request a Victim’s Compensation Act Form from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office at 815-727-8819.
Breaking News
Take Back the Night
15th Anniversary Rally
What: Take Back the Night brings survivors, supporters, and activists together in a call for the end of violence against women.
When: Thursday, October 6, 2011
5:30 p.m.
Where: Joliet West High School,
401 North Larkin Avenue, Joliet
Keynote Speaker: Carmina Salcido, violence survivor, author, and American Idol contestant.
