Other FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I be reimbursed for medical treatment and counseling services?
In most cases, reimbursement is available through Crime Victims' Compensation up to $50,000. Crimes covered by Crime Victims' Compensation are those in which the victim suffers a substantial threat of physical or emotional harm or death. Crimes may include sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, assault, homicide and other violent crimes. One criteria for receiving assistance is that the victim must cooperate with the investigation. Law enforcement agencies are mandated to provide Crime Victims' Compensation information to applicable victims. Information and assistance can also be found by calling the Crime Victim Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-983-9933. Additional assistance is available through the your local County and/or District Attorney's Office (See Who To Call).
If the suspect is arrested, can he or she get out of jail?
Almost all suspects are entitled to bail. Bail is money (or a bond is issued by a bondsman or attorney) put up to ensure that a suspect will appear in court. If bail is made, a suspect is released pending trial. As part of bail, a suspect may be restricted in his or her activities. These could include staying at home, not contacting the victim, etc. Only in the most serious of cases, such as capital murder, is bail denied or set so high as to keep the suspect in jail. Victims can request that they be notified if a suspect makes bail.
How do I get the suspect to stay away?
If the suspect gets out of jail, a victim can request a protective order which can prohibit the suspect from contacting the victim or coming near the victim's school, work, or home. You can ask the case investigator about a protective order or contact the victim's assistance office in your county. Another option is having the suspect warned of criminal trespass (forbidden to trespass) at the victim's residence and other places the victim regularly is found.
What is the punishment for child abuse?
Almost all child abuse cases are felonies. The most serious crime is capital murder and involves the murder of a child under 6 years of age. This crime is only punishable by the death penalty or life (minimum of 40 actual years) in prison. Murder, serious injury to a child, and aggravated sexual assault are 1st degree felonies and are punishable by imprisonment between 5 to 99 years or life (minimum of 30 actual years). Sexual assault and indecency with a child by contact (touching) are 2nd degree felonies and are punishable by a sentence between 2 and 20 years. Bodily injury to a child, indecency with a child by exposure and possession of child pornography are 3rd degree felonies. These are punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. Most of these offenses are considered serious offenses and mandate that at least 1/2 of the sentenced time be served before becoming eligible for parole. Currently, child offenders are serving close to 95 percent of their sentenced time before being paroled. In addition to the prison time, offenders face fines up to $10,000 and can also be sued civilly.
Can a parent testify about the impact of the abuse on the child?
The victim and other persons impacted by a crime have a right to make a victim's impact statement during the punishment phase of a trial. This statement can be made in writing or in person. This is facilitated through the District Attorney's Office.
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