Resources for Victims

NCVLI works to ensure that victims of crime are informed of their rights and can find resources to enforce their rights. We provide general information on our website about the rights of crime victims and also provide referral information to other agencies that may be able to provide direct assistance. NCVLI does not, however, provide legal advice to victims, cannot conduct research on individual victim’s cases, and cannot serve as an individual victim’s attorney.

Here are some questions that victims frequently ask NCVLI:

• How can I learn about common crime victims’ rights?
• How do I know what rights exist for crime victims in my state? Please click here to go to our library and download the document which provides the key victims’ rights laws in your state (or the state where the crime occurred).
• How can I learn who has rights as a crime victim?
• What are the differences between the civil and criminal justice systems?
• What are the some common steps of a criminal investigation and prosecution?
• How can I better understand the words used by the prosecutor, judge or defense attorney as they talk about the investigation and prosecution of crime?
• How can I get financial help to cover costs that I had to pay that were caused by the crime?
• How do I find an attorney to help bring a civil suit when my rights were denied?
• How can I find an attorney to assist me with my rights as a victim in a current or pending criminal case?
• How can I be added to NCVLI’s mailing list and receive NCVLI’s newsletter?