Holmes County Victim Assistance Program
 
Knowing your rights can help you protect them
 
Holmes County Victim Assistance
10 South Clay Street, Suite 208
Millersburg, OH 44654
Phone: (330) 674-5695
Fax: (330) 674-2098
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
 
* If you have an emergency and need to speak with an advocate after these office hours, call the Holmes County Sheriff's Office at (330) 674-1936 and ask the dispatcher to contact an advocate for you.
 

Our Mission
The Mission of the Holmes County Victim Assistance Program is to reduce the trauma of crime by providing information, support and advocacy services to victims of crime and to their families, and to ensure sensitive treatment for victims throughout the criminal justice process

Are you a victim?
Crime victims are persons who have suffered physical or emotional harm as the result of a crime.  The Holmes County Victim Assistance Program can help assist you in regaining control of your life.
 
Victim Services are free and confidential.
 
Including, but not limited to:
Providing information, support and advocacy services throughout the criminal justice process to victims, witnesses and their families
Making all appropriate and necessary referrals and serve as a liaison between the crime victim and all other systems and service providers in the community
Providing information and assistance about the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
Courtroom support and advocacy throughout the entire criminal process, including the entire criminal process, including securing a safe waiting area away from the defendant and the defendant's family members.
Assistance with the preparation of a Victim Impact Statement.

In Ohio, crime victims are guaranteed the following rights:
 
To confidentiality
To be treated with dignity and respect
To know the case status at all times during the prosecution process
To receive notification at various times, when significant events occur
To be present at all hearings, when the defendant is present
To be protected from intimidation and threats of harm
To reasonable return of property
To information from, and meaningful discussions with, the prosecutor
 
These are just a few of your rights.  Please refer to "Picking up the Pieces," a handbook from the Attorney General's Office, for a complete list of your rights as a victim of crime.

Understanding the Criminal Justice System--
Definitions for Victims: It is with great hope you understand the notices you receive during the judicial process and the terminology involved.
 
Arraignment: The initial court appearance of the accused, held for the purpose of advising the accused of the charges and having him or her enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charge.
 
Bail or Bond: An amount of money determined by the judge and posted with the court clerk as secretary to ensure the defendant's appearance in court at a specific time.
 
Pretrial: A meeting, before trial, between the prosecutor and the defense attorney to discuss the merits of the case, exchange information about witnesses, and attempt to negotiate an appropriate resolution of the case.  Many nonviolent cases are disposed of at pretrial.  Any discussions of possible plea or sentencing would be discussed with the victim prior to acceptance of the same.  Although the goals of the victim are not always attainable, the court wants and needs your input.
 
Pretrial Diversion: Allows the offender of certain offenses, prior to trial, to be referred to community agencies to complete certain things such as drug counseling, anger management counseling, and community service.  If the offender responds successfully, the charges will usually be dismissed by the court.
 
Preliminary Hearing: A hearing held in felony cases after the arrest of the offender and before an indictment.  At the hearing, the prosecutor must produce evidence that a crime probably was committed, and that the offender probably committed it.  This is often referred to as a probable cause hearing.
 
Plea: A defendant's official statement of "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest" to the charges against him or her.  If the defendant enters a "guilty" or "no contest" plea, there will be no need for a trial.
 
Trial: This proceeding is where evidence pertaining to the case before court is presented to either a jury or a judge.  This is also known as a jury trial, or as a bench trial.  A process in which testimony is given by the victim and any witnesses the state would subpoena.
 
Testimony: Any statement made by a witness under oath in a legal proceeding.
 
Presentence Investigation- PSI: Investigation of the relevant background of a convicted offender, usually conducted by a probation officer, and given to the judge for use during sentencing.  An important statement by the victim is usually incorporated into this report.
 
Sentencing: The judgment of a court concerning the offender's punishment; ranging from death, imprisonment, or a fine, to probation, restitution, and community service.  Except in the care of mandatory sentences, sentencing is up to the Court within the general guidelines.  Sentencing occurs in open court.  The Court generally asks the prosecution if it has a recommendation concerning sentencing.  As a victim of crime, you have the right to be present, and to give a statement at the sentencing phase of the proceeding.  At this time, the Prosecuting Attorney will notify the Court that the Victim is, or is not present, and may or may not wish to make a statement.  By law, any written statements made by a victim are made available to the defense attorney, unless the court determines disclosure may cause harm.  Thereafter, the defendant and the defense attorney are given an opportunity to say anything in mitigation of sentence.  The court then issues its decision as to the sentence to be served by the defendant.
 
Victim Impact Statement: A written or oral statement regarding the impact of the crime on the victim, including the financial, physical and emotional consequences.
 
Victim Advocate: A person who provides support and assistance for a victim of crime during court proceedings.
 

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