Victim Services

What Does Victim Services Do?

Notification

Among the rights that victims now have by law is the right to be notified of:

	Hearing dates
	Reschedule court dates
	Plea agreements
	Pardon & Parole and Department of Correction services

Court Support

Going to court can be an intimidating experience for victims and witnesses. Our goal is to make the encounter as positive as possible. We do this by:

	Attending hearings with the victims
	Coordinate witness scheduling
	Make victims comfortable
	Occupy child witnesses and provide occasional supervision

Victim Compensation

The Oklahoma Crime Victim Compensation Board provides a method of compensating and assisting persons who suffer bodily injury or death as a result of criminal acts. Our office assists victims in the following ways:

	Completing the application
	Process the claim and mail to the Board for approval

Dennis A. Smith, the District Attorney, has made it a policy to protest the parole of every violent offender. This is done by:

Writing protest letters each month for those on the parole docket who were sentenced out of our district

Attend Pardon & Parole Board meetings and protest inmates in person

Victim-Witness Support

Victims and witnesses often do not have the knowledge of how the criminal justice system works. We feel knowledge is a key in making the experience of being a victim or a witness less confusing. This is accomplished by:

Answering questions

Explaining the criminal justice

Acting as a liaison between attorney's and victims

Provide information and referrals

Initial Arraignment Support

After charges are filed, the Arraignment is the first appearance by the defendant. Our department attends the arraignment with the intention of identifying the next court appearance of the defendant, then we notify the victim.

Resources for Victims

Victim Witness Coordinators	(580) 832-3144 or Toll Free (866) 832-3144
Victim Advocate (Beckham)	(580) 928-2054 or Toll Free (888) 928-5655
Victim Advocate (Custer)	(580) 323-3232 or Toll Free (888) 323-3232
Action Associates	(580) 323-2604 (can call collect)
Safe Line	(800) 522-7233
Department of Corrections Robbie Fullerton, Liaison	(405) 425-2609 or 1-800-232-1524 (in state only)
Pardon & Parole Board	(405) 427-8601 ext. 232
Attorney General's Office Victim Services	(405) 522-4397

Volunteer Program

The District 2 Volunteer Program has been in existence since 1991. With the statutory and constitutional requirements recently enacted on behalf of victims rights, the staff can benefit greatly from the involvement of community members willing to assist in the many duties that are the responsibility of the Victim Services Staff.

Who Can Volunteer?

The Victim Services Department utilizes volunteers from all walks of life. We serve a diverse population who can benefit from the life experiences of our volunteers. Specifically, those wishing to volunteer their time serving victims of crime in our community can be anyone who is:

	Over 18 years of age
	A member of the community, or
	A university student
	Able to pass a background and criminal records check

What's In It For You?

Persons working with the Victim Services unit of the District Attorney's office are afforded many opportunities, including:

	Assisting crime victims with their journey through the criminal justice system
	Building community ties and promoting positive interpersonal relationships
	Gaining practical working experience in the court system
	Networking and building references for the future

Staff

Shelly Clapp - Beckham Co.

Susan Nance - Custer Co.

Kathy Wedel - Washita Co.

District #2 Victim Services

Beckham, Custer, Ellis, Washita, and

Roger Mills Counties

Victim/Witness Coordinator
111 E. Main

Cordell, OK 73632
(580) 832-3144

Victim Advocate

PO Box 507

Sayre, OK 73662

(580) 928-2054