Crime Victim Services

The Carlton County Victim Services Coordinator provides assistance to victims and witnesses in both the adult and juvenile court systems.

Advocates provide crime victims with information about their legal rights and the criminal justice process - including ongoing information about the status of a case and the next court dates and times. Advocates also provide referrals to appropriate service and support resources in the community.

The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming to those who are not familiar with it. 

Witnesses who are not victims can also contact advocates with questions. The Guide for Testifying may be helpful should you be called to testify in court.

• Crime victims have a right to be notified about:
  • plea negotiations and agreements.
  • changes in scheduling of court proceedings, including the date, time, and place of sentencing.
  •  a decision not to prosecute a domestic assault or harassment case.
  • final disposition of the case. 
  • the release of the offender from prison or an institution.  
• Crime victims have a right to protection from harm, so be aware:
  • tampering with a witness is a crime in Minnesota.
  • victims/witnesses do not have to give their addresses in open court.
  • they have a right to a secure waiting area during court.
  • employers may not discipline victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court.
  • they have a right to request law enforcement to withhold their identity from the public.   
• Crime victims have a right to participate in the prosecution, including the right to:
  • inform the court of the impact of the crime, at pretrial and at sentencing or disposition hearings.
  • have input in pretrial diversion programs for crimes against persons.
  • object to a plea negotiation.
  • request a speedy trial.
  • bring a support person to the pretrial hearing.
  • attend sentencing or disposition hearings.
  • give written objections to plea negotiation agreements or final sentence.
  • be notified of the outcome of the case.
• Crime victims have the right to apply for financial assistance.
  • Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of a violent crime.,
  • Victims can request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution. 
• Crime victims may request Restitution.

Disclaimer: This organization does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, public assistance status, marital status, age, gender, sex, political beliefs or disability.  If you believe you have been the subject of a civil rights violation, please contact Minnesota Department of Human Rights or the Minnesota Office of Justice Programs.

Victim Witness Services Survey

This survey contains questions about the services you may have received from the Carlton County Attorney's Office Victim Witness coordinators. Your feedback is valuable. Your answers will remain confidential and only be used to improve our services to crime victims and witnesses.

Victim Witness Survey