The District Attorney’s office is committed to aiding crime victims throughout the criminal justice process.  We work towards this goal in a number of ways, including:

• Informing victims about how a criminal case works – this includes explaining the different legal proceedings (e.g., hearings), the legal possibilities for resolving a criminal matter (e.g. trial or agreed plea) and, of course, sentencing. 
• Advising victims about upcoming court dates and appearances.
• Seeking input from victims about how they would like to see the case handled. 
• Ensuring victims are able to present their views to the judge at the appropriate time.

In addition to our office, there are other entities that provide services to victims.  Those entities include the following:

• The Advocacy Center.  This organization provides free assistance to victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual abuse.  Additionally, the Advocacy Center maintains a strict policy of confidentiality – victims can talk to the professionals at the Advocacy Center with confidence that nothing they say will be distributed to anyone.  To reach the Advocacy Center, either click here or dial (607) 277-5000 (to reach the 24 hour hotline) or dial (607) 277-3203 (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays)

• Child Abuse Hotline.  Officially known as the “Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment” the Hotline is a 24-hour phone line that can be used to report suspected child abuse.  You can reach the hotline by dialing 1-800-342-3720. If you think a child is in imminent danger, dial 911.  To reach the Child Abuse Hotline website, click here.

• Crime Victim’s Board.  The Crime Victim’s Board (“CVB”) is a statewide agency which provides compensation to eligible victims for a variety of expenses relating to having been a victim of a crime.  To learn more, click here. 

• Inmate Look-up. The Department of Corrections maintains a website which allows users to determine the custody status of anyone sentenced to prison in New York.  The information includes date of sentence, length of sentence and date of earliest release.  To visit the website, click here.