victim assistance program
The purpose of the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program is to educate and support crime victims and their family members. Victim Assistance Coordinators serve as a liaison between victims and prosecutors by arranging for victims to meet with Assistant District Attorneys to provide input and ask questions about the criminal case. They may also assist with safety planning and referrals for community resources such as financial assistance, counseling services, shelter, law enforcement contacts, and the Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS).
These services are provided as a public service of the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Please contact the Victims' Assistance Coordinator in your parish via the information below.
Karen Mitchell
Ouachita Parish Felony Victims' Assistance Coordinator
400 St. John Street
Monroe, La 71201
318-338-2256
Felicia Alexander
Ouachita Parish Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Victims' Assistance Coordinator
400 St. John Street
Monroe, La 71201
318-338-4720
Tausha Payton
Morehouse Parish Victims' Assistance Coordinator
100 E. Madison Street
Bastrop, La 71220
318-281-4907
Victim Rights
Louisiana Revised Statute Title 46:1841, et seq. provides certain rights to those who are the victims of violent crimes, domestic violence and/or dating partner violence. Briefly, those rights are:
- The right to reasonable notice, to be present, and to be heard during critical stages of the proceedings.
- The right to refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused.
- The right to be informed upon the release from custody or the escape of the offender.
- The right to review and comment upon the pre-sentence report prior to imposition of sentence.
- The right to confer with the prosecution prior to final disposition of the case.
- The right to seek restitution from the accused or from the Crime Victim Reparation Fund (if eligible).
- The right to a reasonably prompt conclusion of the case.
These rights may be exercised by victims of any homicide, felony offense, sexual offense or vehicular negligent injuring.
Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS)
- The Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS) is a free, anonymous, computer-based service that provides victims of crime with offender status information and information on coming court events and hearing. Callers simply input basic information to search the LAVNS database. For defendant custody and court information, call 1(866) 528-6748 or register online at vinelink.vineapps.com/login/LA
- Callers may choose to register for automatic notification through LAVNS to be notified of an offender’s release from custody. You may also register for court information notification and will receive a call as new court dates are set for the defendant.
- VICTIMS MUST REGISTER TO ENSURE RECEIPT OF NOTICE.
QUICK CONTACTS
OUACHITA PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE
OUACHITA PARISH CLERK OF COURT
MOREHOUSE PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE
MOREHOUSE PARISH CLERK OF COURT
FOURTH JUDICIAL COURT PROBATION
STATE PROBATION AND PAROLE
INDIGENT DEFENDER OFFICE
CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE
