FREQUENT FACTS AND QUESTIONS

The agency incarcerating the defendant is responsible for notifying victims who have registered for notice of release when the defendant is released from jail. The arresting law enforcement agency may have provided you with a Victims’ Notification Form where you could elect to receive notice of the defendant’s release and any court dates. Alternatively, LAVNS (Louisiana Victim Notification System) is a state wide system that provides notice when a defendant is released. You can register to receive notice from LAVNS by calling 1 (866) 528-6748 or online at vinelink.vineapps.com/login/LA.

Contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for your parish for that information.  Contact information for the Victim Assistance Coordinators is found on the Victims’ Assistance Page.

You and your family members may refuse any requests for an interview by the offender, his attorney and/or an investigator working for his attorney. If you are approached by an investigator, you should ask for the investigator the agency he works for and whether he is acting on behalf of the State or the defendant.

If your case involves a crime of violence, domestic violence or dating partner violence, please know that the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office maintains pro-prosecution policy on these types of cases. This policy exists for your safety and that of the community.  However, your input is important. Should you wish to submit a drop charge form, please follow this process:

1. You will need to appear in person at the main office of the District Attorney.
2. You will need to present a state issued form of identification.
3. You will need to meet with a representative of the Office of the District Attorney.
4. You will need to document your request on a “Drop Charge Affidavit” explaining why you wish the Office of the District Attorney to decline prosecution.
5. Your affidavit will then be forwarded to the prosecutor handling your case and will be filed with your case record. The prosecutor will consider your request along with other factors including the severity of the crime, the likelihood the defendant will re-offend, the threat posed to the community by the defendant’s actions, and the strength of your case. THE SUBMISSION OF A DROP CHARGE AFFIDAVIT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE PROSECUTOR TO HONOR YOUR REQUEST.The decision to prosecute or not rests with the Office of the District Attorney. Your request, while important, is only one of many factors our office considers in proceeding with a criminal prosecution.
6. Your request to drop a criminal protective order must be presented to the Judge assigned to the case.  There is a minimum thirty (30) day waiting period for dismissal or amendment of protective orders. A representative of the District Attorneys’ Office will gladly explain the process.

The criminal justice system is not the best method of recovering monetary losses suffered a result of criminal activity. However, sometimes restitution and/or reparations may be available.  Restitution refers to actual loss you sustained.  Restitution is sometimes ordered as part of a plea agreement or at sentencing.  Collection of restitution ordered as a result of a plea or conviction is handled by the court and/or the probation officer assigned to the case.  If you believe you are due restitution from the defendant, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in your parish.  She will assist you with providing that information to the prosecutor assigned to the case.

Reparations are funds made available to certain crime victims for certain out of pocket expenses. Qualified recipients must apply with the Crime Victims Reparations Board at http:www.lcle.state.la.us/programs/cvr.asp