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• Someone who is the victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, or who has suffered bodily injury or death because of the criminal conduct of another; or

• The close relative (spouse, parent, adult brother or sister, or child) of a deceased victim; or

• The guardian of a victim.

These rights also apply to victims of juvenile crime, including victim who suffer property loss.

• Receive adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts.

• Have their safety be considered by the magistrate when setting bail.

• Receive information, on request, of relevant court proceedings, including appellate proceeding, cancellations and rescheduling prior to the event, and of appellate court decisions after the decisions are entered, but before that are made public.

• Request information from a peace officer about a defendant's general right to bail and criminal investigation procedures, and from the prosecutor's office about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea agreements, restitution, appeals and parole.

• Provide pertinent information concerning the impact of the crime to the probation department conducting the pre-sentencing investigation.

• Information about the Texas Crime Victim's Compensation Fund and payment for a medical examination for a victim of sexual assault, and, on request, referral to social service agencies that provide other types of assistance.

• Information, on request, about parole procedures, notificat6ion of parole proceedings and of the inmate's release, and the right to participate in the parole process by submitting written information to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for inclusion in the defendant's file for consideration by the Board prior to parole.

• Be present at all public court proceedings, with the presiding Judge's consent.

• A separate and secure waiting area at all public court proceedings.

• The prompt return of any property that is no longer needed as evidence.

• Have the prosecutor notify, on request, and employer that the need for the victim's testimony ma involve the victim's absence from work.

• Testing and counseling regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing victims of sexual assault.

• Request victim-offender mediation coordinated by the Victims Services Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and be informed of the use and purpose of a victim impact statement and have the statement considered before sentencing and acceptance of a plea bargain and before the inmate is released on parole.

A judge, attorney for the State, peace officer or law enforcement agency is not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated herein.  This information is provided by the Crime Victim Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.

Crime Victim's Compensation is a financial program that helps eligible victims of crime with certain expenses related to the crime.  Money for this program comes from court costs paid by criminals and deposited by each Texas County into the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund.

Upon approval, benefits may be awarded for the following:

• Medical, hospital, physical therapy or nursing care, psychiatric care or counseling.

• One-Time relocation assistance for victims of family violence or a victim of sexual assault who us assaulted at the victim's place of residence.

• Loss of earnings or support.

• Crime scene cleanup.

• Replacement costs for clothing, bedding, or other property seized as evidence or rendered unusable as a result of the investigation.

• Attorney fees for assistance in filing the Crime Victim's Compensation Application and in obtaining benefits, if the claim is approved.

• Loss of wages and travel to seek medical treatment or counseling.

Additional benefits for victims who have suffered catastrophic injury include:

• Making a home or car accessible.

• Job training and vocational rehabilitation.

• Training in the use of special appliances.

• Home health care.

• Reimbursement of lost wages.

• Rehabilitation technology, long term medical expenses and durable medical equipment (reimbursement for property damage or loss is not an eligible expense).

To qualify for Crime Victim's Compensation:

1. Report the crime to a law enforcement agency within a reasonable period of time, but not so late as to interfere with or hamper the investigation and prosecution of the crime.

2. File a claim within three (3) years of the date of the crime.

3. Be a United States resident with the crime occurring in Texas or a Texas resident who becomes a victim in a state or county without a compensation program.

A printable form can be accessed by clicking on one of these options:

• Crime Victims Compensation Application Form (English)

• Crime Victims Compensation Application Form (Spanish)

With increased public access to personal information, there is a rising need for address confidentiality for victims of family violence, stalking and sexual assault. Texas has a new program to help victims keep their actual addresses confidential. The Texas Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), administered by the Office of the Attorney General, provides a substitute address and mail forwarding service for victims and members of their household.  It is not a witness protection program or a guarantee of safety.  Applicants must meet with a local domestic violence shelter, sexual assault center, law enforcement staff member or prosecution staff member to discuss a safety plan and enroll in the program.  Meeting with an advocate is vital to this process and is required by law.  The Office of the Attorney General will not accept applications submitted directly by victims.

• Area Domestic Violence Shelter Phone Numbers

• Domestic Violence Personal Safety Plan (English)

• Domestic Violence Personal Safety Plan (Spanish)

• How to File for a Protective Order

• Texas Address Confidentiality Program Brochure

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