The Hudson County Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy provides the following services:
SUPPORT
As a victim of crime, the process following the crime can be stressful and confusing. Victim/Witness Advocates can offer the support needed to prepare you and assist you through the criminal justice system process and beyond.
REFERRALS
Victim/Witness Advocates can assist with referrals to social service agencies, counselors, victim-centered programs and agencies, and other supportive services.
EMPLOYER AND SCHOOL INTERVENTION
Victim/Witness Advocates can provide, as needed, the explanation to employers and/or schools of your required court appearance.
PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE
When property is not needed as evidence for trial, a request is submitted to the prosecuting attorney to return the property to its owner. If the attorney wishes to retain the property for trial, the request to release will be processed at a later date.
ORIENTATION AND INFORMATION
Victim/Witness Advocates can provide information and orientation on the criminal justice system, court proceedings and courtroom settings for victims, witnesses and surviving family members for familiarity.
PRIVATE WAITING AREA
The Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy has a separate waiting area for victims, witnesses, and surviving family members prior to or during court proceedings.
BILINGUAL STAFF
The Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy has Spanish speaking advocates available.
RESTITUTION
Victim/Witness Advocates can assist with completing the Victim Information Form that will be used by the Assistant Prosecutor and Judge to determine the amount of restitution the defendant should pay if so ordered by the Judge.
MEDICAL TESTING
Victims who are exposed to a defendant’s bodily fluids such as saliva, blood or semen, or victims who were pricked with a hypodermic needle may ask the Court to order the defendant to submit to a HIV or AIDS test. The Victim/Witness staff will help facilitate that process.