Victim Services

As a victim of crime, Minnesota provides you with important rights as your case moves through the criminal justice system.

About Victim Service Liaisons

What can a Victim Witness Coordinator do for you?

Explain the criminal justice system;
Act as a liaison between you and the prosecutors;
Provide updates on the status of a case and upcoming court dates, times, and locations;
Make referral for shelter, food, counseling, etc.
Answer questions regarding the arraignment, trial, and sentencing process;
Accompany you to court when you testify;
Assist with the restitution process;
Provide information on Victim's Compensation;
Help you write a victim impact statement;
Provide a safe, private area when you can wait before and after testifying;
Provide referral to other social service agencies that offer financial and supportive services;
Guide you through the protection order process

If any time you have questions about the case you are involved in, please contact our Victim Witness Coordinators. If possible, please have the case number available for quick reference.

CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR VICTIM WITNESS COORDINATORS AND/OR PROSECUTORS ARE NOT CONFIDENTIAL. Information you share may be used in the criminal prosecution of the case.

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Crime Victim Rights

Learn about crime victim rights in Minnesota, including notification, participation, protection, and support throughout the criminal justice process.

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Restitution Affidavits

Learn how victims can receive court-ordered restitution for crime-related losses, including eligibility, payment details, and available support resources.

Testifying

Learn what to expect when testifying in court, with tips on preparing, answering questions clearly, and understanding the legal process.

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Victim Impact Statements

Learn how to submit a victim impact statement, share how a crime affected you, and understand your role in the sentencing process.

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Victim Services Feedback

Share feedback on Rochester Victim Services to help improve support, resources, and assistance for victims navigating the criminal justice system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights as a crime victim?

View the Crime Victim Brochure.

How will I know when the offender gets out of jail or prison?

Prior to conviction, a county jail or detention facility must notify a victim of a violent crime of the offender's release. All victims, regardless of the crime, are strongly encouraged to register with VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program to request automatic release notification. Following conviction, victims of inmates in a county facility must make a request for release notification to that facility and can also register with VINE. Victims of inmates in a Department of Corrections facility must register with the Minnesota CHOICE program for release notification.

Will I be able to meet with the prosecutor?

Yes, please contact the Victim Witness Coordinators to schedule a meeting.

Will I have to testify?

It depends. Most crime victim cases can be resolved without the need for testifying or going to court. Every case is different. You should consult with the Victim Witness Coordinators if you have concerns.

As a victim, is there someone in the prosecutor's office who can answer my questions?

If you have questions about your case, our office has two Victim Witness Coordinators with our office. You may contact either of them, and they would be happy to answer your questions about the criminal case process.

What if I want to drop charges?

As a matter of policy, the Prosecutor does not routinely drop charges; therefore, a victim should be certain of his/her actions when pursuing charges. Only the Prosecutor can drop charges against a defendant; however, you should let the Prosecutor's office know if you no longer wish to proceed with the case. While the Prosecutor will take your wishes into consideration, the Prosecutor must also take into consideration the safety of the community and other factors when making a decision to drop charges or proceed with the case.

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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