Crime victims have the right to be:

• Informed of emergency, medical, and social services, and community treatment programs.
• Informed of Crime Victims Compensation and restitution, where applicable.
• Notified when the accused is arrested.
• Informed of how to register with V.I.N.E. to be notified when an inmate has been released from prison or jail.
• Informed about protection from harassment, intimidation and retaliation.
• Notified of judicial proceedings relating to their case (Need to provide the Commonwealth Attorney with current address and telephone number so they can contact you with this information).
• Consulted by the Commonwealth Attorney on case dismissal, release of defendant and conditions that apply, any plea bargain negotiation, and the defendant’s entry into a pre-trial diversion program.
• Assisted in contacting employers when prosecution requires much time away from work.
• Given back their property held as evidence as soon as possible unless there is a compelling reason to retain it.
• Heard by means of a victim impact statement before sentencing of a defendant.
• Notified by the Attorney General's Office if a conviction is appealed and of any decision by the court.

A judge, attorney for the state, or law enforcement agency is not liable for a failure or inability to provide a right enumerated herein.


Crime Victims Compensation
            Crime Victims Compensation is a financial assistance program that pays or reimburses eligible crime victims for expenses resulting from a crime in Kentucky. This program is separate from MADD and the decisions to award compensation are made by the Crime Victims Compensation Board located in Frankfort, KY. To receive additional information about this program call 1-800-469-2120. Expenses that may be reimbursed are: related medical expenses, mental health counseling, loss of earnings, loss of financial support, and funeral expenses. Expenses that are not covered are: property damage or property loss, and expenses related to attending trial. The claim has to be filed within five (5) years of the crash. The victim will not be awarded compensation for expenses that are going to be covered or have already been covered by insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Workers Compensation, or Social Security. For a copy of the form please contact the MADD Kentucky State office, phone number 1-800-944-6233.


V.I.N.E (Victim Information Notification Everyday)
            Through a computerized system, information is available about inmates housed in local jails and adult correctional facilities. There are four areas of information available through V.I.N.E.: the status, location of inmate, parole eligibility, and sentence expiration date. In order to be notified of the release of an inmate, a victim/survivor must register with V.I.N.E. by calling 1-800-511-1670 or by visiting www.vinelink.com. Once registered, the victim/survivor will receive a pin number. Upon the release of an inmate, V.I.N.E will call the number provided to notify the victim of the release. The system will continue to call until the pin number assigned to the victim is entered. The pin number helps to ensure the correct person was notified of the inmate’s release.

Victim Impact Statement
            A Victim Impact Statement is a statement prepared by the victim as defined in KRS (421.500). This statement may contain a description of the nature and extent of any physical, psychological, emotional, or financial harm suffered by the victim/survivor. It may also include the victim’s recommendation for sentencing of the defendant. This is the victims/survivors chance to tell the court and the offender how their life has changed since the crash. To receive further information about the Victim Impact Statement please contact MADD Kentucky State Office, phone number 1-800-944-6233.