Victim's Rights

The Victim’s Assistance Program of the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office will work to ensure that all victims of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity, and that their rights are always honored and protected.

PURPOSE OF THE VICTIMS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

· To establish better communication between the criminal justice system and the victim.

· To assure that the victim receives correct information regarding the judicial process, case status and case outcome.

· To provide information to the victim on community services for financial and emotional support.

· To assist the victim in recovering restitution.

ELIGIBILITY OF VICTIMS

A crime victim may be eligible for notification when any of the following offenses have been committed against them

Any Homicide (or attempts to commit)

Any Felony Offense (including attempts to commit any of them) defined in R.S. 14:2 (13).

Any Sexual Offense

Certain Vehicular-related offense

Domestic offense

REGISTRATION FOR NOTIFICATION

You may register for notification by contacting the arresting law enforcement agency, the clerk of court or the District Attorney’s Office.

RIGHTS AFTER REGISTERING FOR NOTIFICATION

· To reasonable notice and to be present and heard during all critical stages of pre-conviction and post conviction proceedings.

· To be informed upon the release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender.

· To confer with prosecution on final disposition of the case.

· To refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused.

· To review and comment upon the pre-sentence report prior to imposition of sentence.

· To seek restitution.

· To a reasonably prompt conclusion of the case.

· To provide the court with a written and oral victim impact statement.

· To a reasonably prompt conclusion of the case.

· To provide the court with a written and oral victim impact statement.

If you have any questions about your rights as a victim or as the family member of a victim, please call the Victim's Rights Coordinator at (985) 447-2003.