What are my rights as a victim of crime?

There are many laws and agencies designed to assist victims and witnesses of crime.  Please refer to the resource list on this website.

Am I compensated for my efforts as a witness?

YES. You will receive a witness fee of twenty-five ($25) dollars for each day that you are required to appear at a preliminary hearing, grand jury or trial, whether or not you actually testify. You will also receive reimbursement for the mileage you traveled to court. A voucher, redeemable for cash by the Clark County Treasurer, will be given to you at the time of your appearance.

What is restitution and how may I receive it ?

Restitution is money required to be paid by court order from an offender to his or her victim. Payment is ordered by the judge at the time of sentencing. If you wish restitution, please forward the costs incurred by you as a result of the crime to the Victim-Witness Assistance Center so that these documents can be included in the information presented to the sentencing judge. Payment of restitution however, is not always a possibility which a judge may consider appropriate.

What other compensation is available?

You may be eligible for compensation of medical expenses, counseling costs, reimbursement of lost wages, and other incidental liabilities if you are: a victim physically injured, or the relative of person physically injured or killed; a minor who was involved in the production of pornography or sexual abuse; or the victim in a DUI offense. The maximum award is $15,000. For further information and application forms contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Center

When can I have my property returned?

Although each request is treated individually, property impounded as evidence is generally returned to its rightful owner at the time of final disposition of the criminal case. Property needed for visual identification only, often may be photographed and returned prior to final disposition.

Can I be present in the courtroom for imposition of sentence?

YES.  NRS 176.015 provides for the victim to appear personally or by counsel and reasonably express any views concerning the crime, the person responsible, the impact of the crime on the victim and the need for restitution. If you wish to make a statement to the court you must contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Center.

Can I make my feelings known regarding parole or clemency of my assailant?

YES. If the defendant in your case is convicted and sent to prison, and you are the person or survivor of the person who was victimized by the defendant, you will be notified of any applications for parole or clemency and be allowed to respond to them. However, it is your responsibility to see that the State Board of Pardons Commissioners and the Nevada Parole Board have your current address on file so that you can be notified.