Our Services

The Utah County Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Coordinators offer support to victims of violent and/or felony crimes during the criminal prosecution of the offender. They act as a liaison between you and the Deputy County Attorney handling your case and can provide you with the following services if you make arrangements with them in advance:

• Attend important court hearings with you, such as the Bail, Preliminary, and Entry of Plea (Arraignment) Hearings, the Jury Trial as well as the Sentencing Hearing and getting interpreters when needed.
• Provide you information about your case, scheduling and scheduling changes, restitution, counseling, court orientation, and coordinate information among different agencies, i.e. police departments, hospitals, attorneys, etc.
• Facilitate visits/tours to the court facilities and/or help secure a place for you to wait until the defendant is removed from court hearings and provide protection assistance, if needed.
• Help in receiving payment of witness fees and mileage, and securing transportation and lodging arrangements for out-of-state witnesses.
• Assist you with your employer in the event that you are having trouble getting the necessary time off work.

Victim’s Rights

• Criminal Protective Order – A criminal protective order may be requested by the prosecuting agency on the victim’s behalf at the first court hearing in a domestic violence case. The protective order is designed to shield the victim from unwanted contact with the defendant while the criminal case is pending.
• Civil Protective Order – A civil protective order is issued at the request of the victim if certain criteria are met.
• No Contact Order – As a condition of bail or release, the judge may order the defendant have no contact either direct or indirect with any victim or witness in the case. No contact orders are not enforceable by the police, but a violation may be charged as Contempt of Court. No contact orders are useful for children or minors in a domestic violence case or for non-cohabitant victims.
• Safety Plan – Please visit the Sheriff's Victim Services website for assistance with developing a detailed safety plan.

All victims and witnesses of crime should be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity. The rights of victims and witnesses of crime are protected by the law in a manner no less vigorous than protections afforded criminal defendants.

Children

Child victims and witnesses should be treated with additional consideration than usually afforded adults. The treatment should ensure that the child’s participation be conducted in the most effective and least traumatic, intrusive, or intimidating manner. Children, in particular, should have a speedy disposition of the entire criminal justice process.

Protection

Victims and witnesses have a right to be informed as to the level of protection from intimidation and harm available to them. Victims and witnesses should have a secure waiting area that does not require them to be in close proximity to defendants or the family and friends of defendants. Victims and witnesses cannot be compelled to disclose their home addresses and phone numbers in open court.

Information

Victims and witnesses, including children and their guardians, have a right to be informed and assisted as to their role in the criminal justice process. Victims and witnesses have a right to clear explanations regarding relevant legal proceedings.

Court Proceedings

Victims and witnesses should have a speedy disposition of the entire criminal justice process. Victims and witnesses have the right to timely notice of judicial proceedings they are to attend and timely notice of cancellation. Victims and witnesses have the right to reasonable employer intercession services, to minimize any loss of pay or other benefits resulting from the employee’s participation in the criminal justice process.

Restitution

Victims may seek restitution or reparations, including medical costs. Victims have a right to have personal property returned expeditiously when it is no longer needed for court, law enforcement, or prosecution purposes.

Sexual Assault Victims

Victims of sexual assault have the right to be informed of their right to request voluntary testing for themselves for HIV infection. Victims have the right to request mandatory testing of the convicted sexual offender for HIV infection.

Sentencing

Victims of sexual assault have the right to be informed of their right to request voluntary testing for themselves for HIV infection. Victims have the right to request mandatory testing of the convicted sexual offender for HIV infection.

Victim Rights Notification Form

Additional Resources

Legal Assistance

Hotline Numbers