Victim Services
The Crime Victims Reparations Act was enacted in 1982 to provide for the payment of compensation to the victims of certain crimes. The funding source is derived from monies paid on criminal court costs and supplemented by federal grants, court-ordered restitution from criminals, and donations. The Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Board has the responsibility of reviewing all applications submitted for payment and determining payment status. The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office assists victims and submits claims to the Crime Victims Reparations Board for authorization of funds.
You may apply if:
- You are the victim of a violent crime
- You are the victim’s legal representative of force. (his attorney or person legally responsible
- You are the victim’s dependent
- A claim may be filed regardless of whether the offender is known, has been arrested, and/other source or has been found guilty
The crime must:
- Involve the use of force or threat of use
- Result in personal injury, death or for the expenses) catastrophic property loss
- Result in expenses allowed by the statute and not reimbursable from any
VEHICULAR CRIMES (MOTOR VEHICLE, BOAT OR AIRCRAFT) ARE NOT INCLUDED UNLESS YOU ARE:
- The victim of a DWI driver.
- The victim of a hit and run driver.
- The victim of a driver who is fleeing the scene of crime in which he knowingly participated.
- The victim whose injuries were intentionally inflicted with a vehicle.
Some of the expenses that can be covered include: medical, hospital, dental, mental health counseling, funeral, loss of wages / earnings, catastrophic loss of your home by arson, and expenses associated with the collection of crime scene evidence.
Victim assistance is available at any time from the CVRA program coordinator for the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Dy. Joanie Huffman, CVRA coordinator