The Victim/Witness Unit maintains the right of victims and witnesses to be treated with dignity and respect during the course of the criminal proceedings. We recongize the vital role of victims and witnesses in making the criminal justice system work within our community. We strive to ensure that their concerns, interests, and needs are represented and protected.

It is the responsibility of the Victim/Witness Unit to ensure that victims are provided the their rights as defined under the Prosecuter's Responsibilities of the Crime Victims Bill of Rights (Act 111 of 1998). These rights include the following:

• Notice of the opportunity to have prior comment on the potential reduction or dropping of any charge or changing of a plea.
• Notice of time and place of disposition proceedings
• Notice of the disposition and sentence in their case
• Assistance in preparing the victim impact statement
• Assistance in preparing the Crime Victim Compensation form, when applicable
• Assistance in preparing the restitution request
• Notice of defendant's release from jail at the time of sentencing for victims of personal injury crimes

In addition the unit provides services to crime victims including:

Accompaniment Advocacy Case Status Courtroom Orientation Early Outreach Employer/Creditor Intervention Intake and Assessment

Assistance with Property Return Information on the State Correctional/Parole Victim Input and Release Notification Program Supportive Counseling Assistance with Transportation to Court Hearings

Coordinators will attend preliminary hearings whenever possible to provide services to crime victims. In general the initial contact with victims occur when the Victim/Witness Coordinator following the formal arraignment screens the case. The contact can be made by mail and/or phone. Victims are sent a packet of paperwork that includes, information on the victim's rights, an impact statement, restitution form, a victim response form, and when applicable a Crime Victim Compensation application and/or an ARD opinion form. Coordinators are responsible for contacting victims with information as to when to appear for a criminal trial. Disposition letters with sentencing information are sent to all crime victims. Additionally coordinators provide information to victims regarding post sentence appeals filed by a defendant.

Jail Release Notification (SAVIN)
The Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification System (SAVIN) is available to anyone who wants to know when an inmate is released from a county or state prison. Registrations are anonymous and can be done on line or by phone. The web site to register is www.vinelink.com or toll free at 1-866-847-1298.

If you have any questions or need assistance to register, please call our office at 717-771-9956.