Victim-Witness Assistance

"To ensure all victims of crime are treated with dignity" The 16th Judicial District Attorney''s Victim- Witness Assistance Program began over seven years ago with one person assisting victims in the tri-parish area of Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary Parishes. Today we have a staff of six Victim Assistance Coordinators, two in each parish.The office acts as a liaison between the victim and the Criminal Justice System. Our mission is to ensure that all victims of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity. Victims will be given the information, knowledge, assistance and opportunity necessary to participate actively and effectively within the criminal justice system.
Victim Rights in Louisiana

As a victim of a crime, you have the right to:

• Know the current status of your court case.
• Be assisted if called as a witness.
• Be notified and present and heard during all critical stages of pre- and post-conviction proceedings.
• Confer with the prosecution prior to final disposition of the case.
• Speak in person; address the court in writing; or be represented by an attorney at the time of the felony sentencing to express your views concerning the defendant, the crime, and its effects on you and your family.
• Review and comment on any pre- or post sentence report
• Seek restitution from the defendant
• Refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused;
• Receive, on request of the Department of Corrections, notice of any hearing to review or consider parole eligibility or parole-setting for prisoners in your case. (You must keep DOC informed of your current address if you wish to be notified).
• Speak personally; or submit a letter to the parole hearing to express your views about the crime and the person responsible.
• Be informed of the defendant's release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender.

Victim-Witness Assistance Division Services

• Information about the status of your court case.
• Notice of court proceedings.
• Information and explanations about criminal justice proceedings.
• Orientation to the courtroom setting.
• Companion to attend court with you and provide emotional support.
• Referral to social service agencies, counselors and others for assistance.
• Employer intervention to explain time missed from work due to required
  court appearances.
• Private waiting area prior to your court appearance.
• Advocacy and support with any problems due to the crime itself or court
  appearances.
• Assistance if you are intimidated, harassed or afraid.
• Assistance with victims of crime reparations claims.

Responsibilities of Victims of Crime

• Report the crime within 72 hours unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  
• File a victim notice form with the enforcement agency handling the call
  to be notified of all matters relating to cases.
• Designate a family member as the contact person for minors or homicide victims
• File a victim notice form with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to be notified of escape, parole or other institutional release of inmate named in a victim notice.

Public Information Materials

The 16th Judicial District Attorney's Victim-Witness Assistance Division has available to victims a number of brochures on various topics such as:

• Rape Neighborhood Watch
• Child Sexual Assault
• Child Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Date Rape

Our office also has a coloring book for children entitled My Day In Court. The book explains what a day in court would be like.

How To Get Help

It may be weeks before the District Attorney's Office receives cases from law enforcement agencies, however if you have been a victim of a crime and need immediate assistance, you can call our office at:

IBERIA PARISH- 337-369-4431- Catalene B. Theriot, Victim Assistance Coordinator

ST. MARTIN PARISH - 337-394-2220- Renee Hoffpauir, Victim Asst. Coordinator

ST. MARY PARISH- 337-828-4100 EXT. 550, Kathy Tourney, Victim Asst. Coord.