Albany County Attorney's Office Victim Witness Program

Description

Under the Wyoming Victim Bill of Rights, all victims and witnesses of crimes are provided certain rights. The Albany County & Prosecuting Attorneys has created the Victim Witness (VW) Program to ensure victim’s rights are protected.

The VW Advocate coordinates the initial contact with victims and witnesses of crimes to provide an overview of the court process and address victims’ concerns. Meetings with a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney are immediately scheduled with victims of crimes against persons to coordinate the transition from the law enforcement investigation to the criminal prosecution of a defendant. The VW Advocate is the point of contact for the prosecution and notify victims and witnesses of hearings and status relating to cases. Upon conviction of a defendant, the VW Advocate is responsible for obtaining a victim impact statement from the victim to provide to the sentencing court as to the physical, psychological or emotional harm done to the victim as well as any claim for restitution. The VW Advocate also works with law enforcement and the deputy prosecuting attorneys for the return of property taken as evidence.