Victim Rights

Crime in Leelanau County touches all of us. When one person is victimized, we all --- as a community --- suffer. If you are not personally a victim of crime, then you know a relative, friend or neighbor who is. Being a victim of, or a witness to, crime can be a frightening experience. You often feel violated by the intrusion into your life and are left with feelings of anger and pain.

Victims and witnesses naturally look to the criminal justice system for vindication and justice, but all too often find a court system which appears to be dedicated to protecting the very people who have caused their anger and pain. While the criminal justice system is designed to protect, support and serve our communities, most citizens do not learn about it until after they become victims of crime --- the worst possible time to try to understand the complex roles and responsibilities of each of the "players" in the system. However, no criminal can be successfully prosecuted without the valuable assistance of victims and witnesses.

As a result of strong advocacy, crime victims have rights. The web pages linked above will help you to learn about those rights, inform you about Michigan's Victim Compensation Fund, answer many questions concerning crime victims, and advise you of local, state-wide and national crime victim resources.  The National Center for Victims of Crime has links to cover topics such as; Assault, Child Abuse (for youth), Domestic Violence, Homicide, Impaired Driving, Robbery, Sexual Violence, Stalking and What Adults Need to Know About Child Abuse.  We are one of many service agencies created to help and support victims of crime. 

Our Victim-Witness Assistance Program is designed to help victims and witnesses ... to answer questions ... to keep you informed ... to provide referrals to counseling and support groups ... and to provide personal assistance when possible.   

I encourage you to contact our Victim-Witness Coordinator, Laurie LaCross, if you have any questions. We are here to serve you.

With kindest regards,
Joseph T. Hubbell
Leelanau County Prosecuting Attorney

 Under the supervision of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Victims Assistance Advocacy Program is designed to insure that ALL victims of crime involved in the criminal justice system receive the benefit of all community services that are necessary and/or available for them to regain their physical and emotional well-being, by means of a comprehensive intervention and advocacy program. The Victims Assistance Coordinator works under the general direction of the County Prosecutor and performs all of the mandated requirements outlined in the Michigan Crime Victims Rights Act, and performs advocate duties within the criminal justice system. The Victims Assistance Programs mission is to insure that all victims of crime receive proper notification and ability to exercise their rights as entitled under the Michigan Crime Victims Rights Act. 

How We Can Help

The Leelanau County Victim-Witness Program was created to assist victims and witnesses of crime during their involvement with the criminal justice system. We provide the following services upon request:

• status information on cases
• referrals for counseling, support groups and emergency services (food, shelter and clothing)
• crime victim compensation information
• victim impact statements
• restitution information and assistance
• help with the return of personal property
• accompanying a victim to court
• employer intervention
• orientation to the courtroom setting and information on how the court works
• privacy prior to appearing in court
• informing the community about Crime Victims Rights

  Our office is located on the second floor of the Leelanau County Government Center, 8527 E Government Center Dr, Suite 202, Suttons Bay, MI  49682.   Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.  You may want to call ahead to make an appointment to speak with advocate or a prosecutor.  Their schedules vary depending on court schedules, case loads and educational conferences.

• Our office also has a canine advocate, Facility Dog, Gunther III.  He is a accredited facility dog from Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org) and provides emotional support to children and others as they go through the criminal justice system.

As a crime victim, you may need information. We encourage you to call with any questions or concerns, and let us assist you. Call Laurie LaCross, our Victim-Witness Coordinator at (231) 256-8175, or call a victim assistance agency.

Link to forms here