Adult Court Victim and Restitution Services FAQs

On November 4, 2008, the voters of the State of California approved Proposition 9, the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law, a measure to provide all victims with rights and due process. Visit the Marsy’s Law website to read about your rights.

Services are provided to victims and their families according to their needs. Services may include:

• Crisis Intervention Services: shelter, housing, legal assistance, counseling, and other services. Website Link: https://www.weaveinc.org/
• Community Referrals Services: emergency services such as food, shelter, clothing, counseling, and other services. Website Link: http://www.sacda.org/helpingvictims/resources/
• Court Support Services: explanation of process, assistance/support with testimony, Victim Impact Statement, and restitution. Website Link: http://www.sacda.org/helpingvictims/resources/ 
• Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes Services: relocation assistance and reimbursement for expenses resulting from a violent crime such as medical, mental health, funeral/burial, wage loss, and other qualifying expenses. Advocacy assistance available for the application process. Website Link: https://victims.ca.gov/ 
• Offender Release Notifications Services: phone, text, or email notification of a designated inmate’s release. Website Link: https://www.sacsheriff.com/InmateInformation/ 
• Restraining Orders Services: information regarding restraining orders. Website Link: http://www.sacda.org/services/criminal-prosecutions/domesticviolence/victim-services/restraining-order/

After the crime is reported, full services are available to the victim and family. Please contact the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office at (916) 874-5701 or visit their website: http://www.sacda.org/helpingvictims/. 

Services are available for witnesses who testify on behalf of the victim. These services include:

• Explanation of the court process 
• Information regarding hearing date 
• Connection to the District Attorney in charge of the case, if needed 
• Assistance during court 
• Assistance with court testimony View the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program webpage.

Assistance for victims and their families is available statewide, and advocates work with all 58 counties in California. Further connections can also be made nationwide with other crime victim assistance centers. The important thing is to call for assistance and have the following basic information available:

• Where the crime happened 
• When the crime happened 
• The police department that handled the crime 
• The report number

For more information, contact the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office at (916) 874- 5701. 

Law enforcement agencies may be holding property as evidence in your case. Probation does not coordinate the release of property. 

The victim may be entitled to receive restitution payments for financial losses suffered as part of a crime. Restitution may be determined for the value of stolen or damaged property, medical expenses, counseling expenses, or loss of wages or profits due to injury.

Probation shall use all reasonable methods available to ensure the victim receives restitution for their losses through the Court’s restitution process. Victims also have the option to seek Page 3 of 4 Revised August 2021 recovery through civil litigation and may wish to consult with an attorney on the advisability of pursuing a claim.

Once an offender has been convicted of a crime, Probation will contact the victims to prepare a report to the Court with recommendations for sentencing. Probation will send information to the victim requesting their statement and documents to aid in the recovery of restitution. A statement may be requested in writing, by phone, or in person. Victim statements should indicate:

• Information concerning the defendant and their character 
• Feelings at the time the crime was committed 
• Feelings regarding a suitable sentence 
• Feelings regarding continued safety 
• Losses and/or harm suffered resulting from the crime 

The victim may contact the probation officer identified on their notification letter for assistance. The victim may also call Probation at (916) 874-1500.

A victim of a crime has the right to appear, personally or by counsel, at sentencing to express their views concerning the crime, the person responsible for the crime, and the need for restitution.

For more information contact the District Attorney’s Office at (916) 874-5701.