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1. Can anyone help me with expenses related to this crime?

There are several resources available for financial assistance. The Victim/Witness Coordinator can help you sort out which is best for you. Emergency funds may be available on a limited basis to help with emergencies not covered by insurance or other sources. The State of Minnesota also has funds available through Reparations to assist victims of crime with medical, dental, psychological or funeral expenses related to a crime. For more information, please call the Victim/Witness Coordinator at 507-332-5934.

2. Can I testify by video if I don't want to be in the courtroom with the offender?

Video testimony is acceptable only in rare occasions in juvenile or criminal proceedings. The constitutions of the United States and State of Minnesota guarantee each defendant the right to face their accusers. Your Victim/Witness Coordinator will do everything possible to prepare you for your experience on the witness stand and answer any questions or concerns you may have. For more information, please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator at 507-332-5934.

3. Do I have to come to court?

As the victim or witness to a crime committed by an adult offender, you have the right to be at any hearing. You are not obligated to come to court unless you receive a subpoena. Many juvenile hearings are closed and you should your Victim/Witness Coordinator whether you may attend. The Coordinator will be happy to accompany you to the courtroom and explain the proceedings if you wish. For more information, please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator at 507-332-5934.

4. How do I know if the offender is still in custody?

There are a number of ways to track offenders who may be in custody. You will need the name of the defendant and a date of birth is also helpful.

If the offender is in custody in a State prison, information may be accessed through Minnesota Department of Corrections website.

If the offender is in custody in a county jail, you may be able to track that offender using VINE, an automated system that will track offenders in MOST county jails. Information is available through their website or by calling 1-877-MN-4-VINE (1-877-664-8463).

5. How do I obtain a police report?

Many victims would like to receive a copy of the police reports but many victims face difficulties in obtaining them. Please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator at 507-332-5934 if you would like to Request a Copy of the Police Reports (PDF).

6. How long until I get my restitution?

Restitution for both juvenile and adult offenders is paid on a schedule arranged by the supervising probation officer. You may speak to the probation officer by calling 507-332-6106 and asking to speak with the person who is supervising the offender. You also have the right to request that a review hearing be scheduled if you are not satisfied with the rate of payment. This will not guarantee payment or any change. It will simply be a request for the Court to review the defendant's efforts at complying with the Court's Order. For more information, please contact the County Attorney's office at Faribault 507-332-6103, Northfield 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale 507-744-5185.

7. I am a victim in a domestic violence case. Can I drop the charges?

The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution is made by the prosecutor. The victim has the right to let the prosecutor know at any time their feelings. However, the victim's wishes alone do not dictate whether or not a case will be filed or dismissed.

For more information, please contact the Attorney's Office at Faribault 507-332-6103, Northfield 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale 507-744-5185.

8. I am a victim. How can I be compensated for my loss?

The sentencing judge as a condition of the defendant's probation or prison term can order restitution (payment of financial losses). Your request for restitution must be in writing; it must list the items for which you are requesting restitution, the dollar amount requested, and the reasons for your request. The Rice County Attorney's Office will assist you in preparing your restitution request. Your request must be signed and submitted to the "Clerk of Court" at the courthouse where the sentencing will be held. If you need additional information about your restitution request, please contact our Victim Witness Program at 507-332-5934.

You or others may be eligible for compensation for some of your economic loss from the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board. Economic loss may include medical-related expenses, psychological-related expenses, loss of income, childcare services, loss of support, and burial expenses. This board can only pay restitution for person crimes such as murder, assault and robbery. They cannot pay for property crimes such as criminal damage to property, theft, or forgery. For further information visit the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board.

9. What do I do before trial?

As a victim or witness, your cooperation with the prosecutor and law enforcement is essential. You may be contacted for further information. You will be informed by the County Attorney's Office of any special things you should do pending trial. If you change your address or phone number, please contact the County Attorney's Office as soon as possible at Faribault 507-332-6103, Northfield 507-645-9576, or
Lonsdale 507-744-5185.

In rare instances, the defendant or others attempt to influence the victim or witness through threats or coercion. Tampering with a witness is a crime punishable as a felony offense. Any concerns, threats or property damage you have should be reported immediately to your local law enforcement agency and our office at Faribault 507-332-6103, Northfield 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale 507-744-5185.

10. What if I'm afraid the offender will want to retaliate against me or my family members?

The County Attorney can request that a no contact order be issued as a condition of the defendant's release. In cases of domestic abuse or sexual assaults, the County Attorney can request a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) as a condition of the defendant's release. In addition, you can get help in obtaining an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order through the HOPE Center. Any violations of these orders should be reported to the police. For more information, please contact the County Attorney's office at Faribault 507-332-6103, Northfield 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale 507-744-5185.

11. Why are some defendants not in jail after they have been arrested and charged?

Under the laws of the United States and Minnesota, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A defendant's release on his promise to appear at future court appearances is common. If the court determines that the defendant is unlikely to appear at future court dates or is a threat to public safety, bail or special conditions of release, such as no contact with victims or witnesses, may be imposed. Bail is a deposit of money held by the Court which can be forfeited if the defendant fails to appear in Court, breaks the law, or violates the conditions of release. You should notify the prosecutor of any concerns you have regarding a defendant's release or known violations of a defendant's release conditions. For more information, please contact the Attorney's Office at Faribault 507-332-6103, Northfield 507-645-9576, or Lonsdale 507-744-5185.

12. Will I have to testify?

Testimony of victims is usually not required until the trial. Whether you will have to testify will be determined at the time of trial. The case may be settled through plea negotiations. This usually means no testimony from victims or witnesses is necessary. If your testimony is needed, you will receive a subpoena or notice to appear telling you where and when to appear. A victim has a right to give a statement at sentencing. Additional information will be sent to help you prepare for your court appearance.

For more information, please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator at 507-332-5934.

13. Will this case go to trial?

Only a small percent of criminal cases go to trial, but many are set for trial. In most cases, the defendant pleads guilty. A plea negotiation is an agreement between the prosecutor and defense attorney to settle a criminal case by a plea of guilty or other appropriate disposition without a trial. A plea agreement is a way of settling a criminal case whenever it appears that the interest of the public, the victim, and the effective administration of criminal justice will be served without a trial. For more information, please contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator at 507-332-5934.