Victim Information

Mission

The mission of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is to provide progressive and professional criminal justice services and community assistance to the citizens of Loudoun County. This will be accomplished by:

Understanding and responding to the needs of the community and agency;
Communicating with honesty and integrity to the community and within the agency;
Supporting and enhancing the skills, training and development of all members of the agency; and
Consistency in all areas of performance.

All members of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will be held accountable for the accomplishment of this mission.

If you are the victim of a crime, the Sheriff’s Office can provide you with information related to your crime and the criminal justice system. Sources of help such as agencies that offer counseling and compensation and referrals for counseling, advocacy, court accompaniment, support groups, financial compensation and if a suspect is arrested, preparation for court and help with writing a victim impact statement.

Virginia Bill of Rights: Crime Victim & Witness Rights Act

Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act

If you are a crime victim and have suffered physical, psychological, or economic harm as a direct result of any of the following crimes: any felony, assault and battery, stalking, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery or DWI, you may be entitled to:

1. Protection

From further harm and threats of harm
Waiting area separate from the accused during court proceedings

2. Financial Assistance

Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
Restitution for damages or loss
Prompt return of property being held as evidence

3. Notification

Case status information
Employer intercession services
Prisoner release notification

4. Victim Input

Victim Impact Statement
Courtroom presence during trial
Parole input for crimes occurring prior to 1/1/1995
Plea Agreement Consultation

5. Courtroom Assistance

Confidentiality of address and telephone numbers
Interpreter services
Closed preliminary hearing in limited situations
Use of two way closed circuit television in limited situations

As a victim or witness of a crime, you have certain rights under the Victim's Bill of Rights. There are specific steps you need to take in order to receive those rights. The Loudoun County Victim Witness Program can provide information on what steps you need to take.

Enhancing Response to Victims: 21st Century Strategy

Seven Critical Needs of Victims

I. Safety: People who become victims of crime are more generally at higher risk to be re-victimized.

II. Support: Citizens need to receive current and accurate information about victim services professionals and aiding agencies.

III. Information: Citizen needs to be provided information about their rights and resources. If the case moves forward it is necessary to keep the victim informed about the status of the case.

IV. Access: Citizens should be provided information in their primary language whenever possible. Special needs and circumstances ought to be attended to for differently-abled victims, diminished competency, or mental illness.

V. Community: There is a greater collaboration between victim service providers and the Sheriff’s office to ensure consistent information and support.

VI. Voice: More emphasize is directed to empowering the victims, such as inviting advocates and victims to policy-making in reference to their interests to ensure protocols and policies are geared to meeting victim’s needs.

VII. Justice: There is a greater press for improvement of follow-ups, investigations, and holding the offenders accountable. To help achieve justice from the criminal justice system.

Resources

Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
880 Harrison Street
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0407

Commonwealth's Attorney
Victim Witness Program
20 E. Market Street
MSC#34A
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 703-777-0417
e-mail: vw@loudoun.gov

Attorney General of Virginia
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-2071
www.oag.state.va.us