VICTIM SERVICES
Providing Services for Victims of General Crime
Warren, MN 56762
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(or by appointment after regular office hours on or off site)
Phone: 218-745-5523
Services Provided
- All Services are free of charge and all contacts are confidential.
- Legal Advocacy - Assistance in filing for an order for protection (OFP) or harassment restraining order (HRO), accompaniment to law enforcement, court hearings, or attorney appointments.
- Provide information and referrals to area service providers.
- Accompaniment/transportation to appointments.
- Referrals for temporary emergency housing and transportation to safety.
- Crisis counseling.
- Assistance with safety planning.
- Accompaniment to medical appointments and emergency medical examination.
- A safe, confidential place to share experiences and receive support and understanding.
Court Related Services
- Advise victim/witness of rights.
- Information regarding the criminal justice system.
- Provide briefing on courtroom procedures and hearing process.
- Provide notification of hearing dates, times, location and any changes in court schedules.
- Notify the victim of plea offers, plea agreements and sentencing hearings.
- Assist victim/witness in preparing to be a witness.
- Assistance in filing for reparations/restitution.
- Assistance with victim impact statements.
- Accompany victim/witness to court hearings and trial.
- Assistance in obtaining the release of property held as evidence.
Community & Professional Education
Marshall County Victim Services can provide presentations and professional in-service training to: Civic Organizations, Fraternal Organizations, Professionals, and Prevention Programs for School Children, Church Groups
CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS
Minnesota law provides crime victims with specific rights. These rights apply to all cases, including juvenile cases. Minnesota has a comprehensive Victims' Right Act located in Chapter 611A of Minnesota Statutes. This statute can be located in the county law library, and you can also view this statute on-lne.
- Marshall County Victims Services Crisis Line: 218-745-5523
- Marshall County Attorney's Office: 218-745-4321
- Marshall County Court information: 218-745-4921
- Marshall County Sheriff's dept (non-emergency): 218-745-5411
- Marshall County Jail: 218-745-5411
- Marshall County Social Services: 218-745-5124
- North Valley Health Center: 218-734-4211
- FIRST CALL FOR HELP: 211
- MN Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 866-233-111 (one call for emergency shelter) www.dayoneservices.org
- National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-SAFE(7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
- Crime Victim Justice Unit: 651-205-4823 or 800-247-0390
- Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota: 800-450-8585
- Office of Justice Programs www.ojp.state.mn.us
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Court Process for misdemeanor charges:
The defendant is formally notified of the charges filed, advised of his/her rights, bail is set at the arraignment. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, a public defender is appointed by the court to represent the defendant. The defendant also enters a plea at the time of arraignment. If the defendant pleads guilty, he/she will proceed directly to sentencing.
At the pre-trial hearing the case ID formally set for trial on a specific date. Often a plea agreement is offered and discussed at this time. The defendant may plead guilty and proceed to sentencing.
Trial is where both the prosecutor and the defense attorney are put to the test of presenting their case before a judge or jury. The judge or jury will then review the evidence they have heard and make a decision of guilty or not guilty. The prosecutor must prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty following a trial, a judge will impose a sentence at the sentencing hearing. Unlike sentencing for gross misdemeanor/felony charges, a pre-sentence investigation is not automatically ordered. However, one may be requested in certain instances.
Marshall County Victim Services gives public notice of its policy to uphold and assure full compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related non-discrimination authorities. Title VI and related non-discrimination authorities stipulate that no person in the United States of America shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Any person who believes s/he has, individually or as a member of any specific class of persons, been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency may file a complaint with the department’s Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action Office: Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 530 St. Paul, MN 55101-5530 Telephone: (651) 201-7136 TTY: (651) 282-6555 Fax: (651) 282-6873 Email: dps.ia@state.mn.us.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I get specific information about the case?
Call your local law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office, or victim service provider for information.
What if I need financial assistance?
You could be eligible for reparations from the state of Minnesota if you are victim of a violent crime and have out-of-pocket costs related to medical, counseling, a funeral or wage loss. You could be eligible for restitution from the defendant if he/she is found guilty or enters a guilty plea.
What should I do if I receive a subpoena or am called to testify?
A subpoena is a court order to appear in court. Read it very carefully. It will have instructions on who you should call for court information and location. However, if you have a scheduling conflict or have any questions, you should call whoever sent the subpoena. As a witness, you will receive a small fee for your time and mileage.
Do these rights apply when the offender is a juvenile?
Yes
How will I know when the offender gets out of jail or prison?
To be informed about an offender's release from jail or prison, you must make a special request to be notified. Contact VINE or talk to a local victim service provider for more information.
Can I attend all the hearings?
Yes, in general, criminal court proceedings involving adult defendants are open to the public. A judge may close a hearing or exclude a party under certain cercumstances.
