Champaign County State's Attorney
Julia Rietz

Victim Services
(217) 384-3733
email: VictimServices@champaigncountyil.gov

"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Frequently asked questions

• What are my rights as a victim of a crime?

  Under the Illinois Constitution, crime victims have the following rights:

  1. To be treated with fairness and respect for dignity and privacy
  2. To notification of proceedings
  3. The right to communicate with the prosecution
  4. The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing
  5. The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment and release of the accused
  6. The right to the timely disposition of the case following arrest
  7. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused
  8. The right to be present at the trial and court proceedings
  9. The right to have an advocate at all court proceedings
  10. The right to restitution
• What should I do if I am a victim of a crime?

  Contact your local police department so they can investigate. Following the investigation, the report will be send to the State's Attorney's Office to determine if criminal charges will be filed.

• What are my responsibilities as a crime victim?

  We cannot prosecute cases without the cooperation of crime victims and witnesses. Stay in communication with the victim advocate, ask questions and be honest and truthful. Cooperation and participation of victims and witnesses is necessary to ensure a fair and just outcome for all.

• Do I need to be present for every court date?

  No, you do not need to be present for every court date, but you are welcome to attend any and all court dates you wish, and you may be able to have a victim advocate attend those court dates with you if needed. If your presence is required for a court date you will receive a subpoena, and the victim advocates will work with your employer to ensure that you are able to attend.

• What should I do if the defense lawyer wants to talk to me?

  The defense lawyer has the right to interview witnesses, however whether or not you speak to the defense lawyer is up to you. What is most important is that you are honest and truthful.

• What is an Order of Protection?

  An Order of Protection is a court order for a victim of domestic violence, ordering the abuser to stay away from the victim. Violation of an Order of Protection is a separate criminal offense. Victim Advocates in the State's Attorney's Office can explain the process to you, but we do not assist in obtaining Orders of Protection. We can provide you with the required forms and refer you to local agencies who can help you obtain an Order of Protection.

• What should I do if I no longer want the case to be pursued?

  Only the State's Attorney's Office can make the decision to drop or pursue charges. You should discuss your concerns with your Victim Advocate who will act as a liason with the prosecutor but the final decision rests with that prosecutor.

• Is there someone in the State's Attorney's Office who can answer my questions?

  All cases have a Victim Advocate assigned to assist victims. To speak with your advocate call us at (217) 384-3733

Additional Assistance

Assistance with Orders of Protection:

• Courage Connection: (217) 384-4390

Legal Assistance:

• Land of Lincoln: (217) 356-1351
• U of I Law Clinic: (217) 244-9494

Attorney General's Office Crime Victims Assistance: (800) 228-3368

Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 252-2873

East Central Illinois Refugee Assistance Center: (217) 344-8455

Champaign County Crime Stoppers (217) 373-8477