Victim Services

userway ADA
EAGLE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
VICTIM SERVICES UNIT

Quick Connect

Victim Services
VICTIM SERVICES UNIT
Victims and their family members have special needs following a crime or crisis. The goal of the Sheriff’s Office in helping meet those needs is to provide an extensive, service-oriented support system for anyone impacted by trauma.

ECSO JPG    VIctims Advocate Image

Becoming the victim of a crime, having a family member violated by a criminal act, or witnessing a crime may evoke many emotions. Confusion, anger and frustration are only a few of the emotions you may be feeling as the result of being a crime victim.

To help victims through their experience, the Sheriff's Office has compiled the following information designed to help you better understand the law enforcement and criminal justice system.

As the victim of a crime, you are the most important part of the investigation, the apprehension of a suspect, and the judicial system.

If you are the victim of a crime, please:

  • Report the crime immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency,
  • Report the crime as accurately as possible, and
  • Cooperate fully with the investigation.
By following this advice, you will increase the chance of apprehending the criminal and may help protect others from the same victimization. Please do not turn away because you do not want to become involved, for you may be allowing others to become harmed.

Victim Services

The Sheriff's Office realizes victims and their family members have special needs following a crime or crisis. The goal of the Sheriff’s Office in helping meet those needs is to provide an extensive, service-oriented support system for anyone impacted by trauma. The Victim's Assistance Program was implemented in 1991 for this purpose.

Victim’s Assistance was formed to ensure that all crime victims are treated fairly. Victims are to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect through the criminal justice system so they do not feel re-victimized. The program is designed to assist victims on an informational, emotional and social level in an effort to reduce physical and emotional suffering.

The Victim's Assistance Program is staffed by a full-time victim's assistance coordinator, a bilingual victim advocate and trained volunteer advocates who are dedicated to a 24-hour, on-call system. The advocates are trained to respond to crime situations in person, or by telephone, in order to give immediate support and assistance to the victim(s), their families and friends. Advocates are trained to answer questions the victim may have, to make appropriate referrals to assist with any community services, to accompany a victim during interviews, to provide courtroom support (if time allows or there is a need), or just to give comfort and support.

The Sheriff’s Office realizes the need to offer more than the response a qualified law enforcement officer can give. A deputy on the scene is better able to focus his/her efforts on the investigation if the victim is receiving the individual attention he/she deserves.
VICTIMS OF CRIME
It is important to report a criminal act, to increase the chance of apprehending the criminal and to help protect others from the same victimization.

If you are the victim of a crime, please:

  • Report the crime immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency
  • Report the crime as accurately as possible
  • Cooperate fully with the investigation.
VICTIM & WITNESS GUIDE
Victim & Witness Guide to the Criminal Justice System

  • As the victim of a crime, you may have experienced injury, loss, confusion and a disruption of your life. Having information and an understanding about the criminal justice system can be helpful.
  • Victim’s Rights Handbook (Espanol/English)
´VINE' NOTIFICATIONS
Colorado VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday)

Receive an alert anytime your offender’s custody status changes. FAST, FREE & Completely Anonymous!

VICTIMS' RIGHTS
The Victim Rights

  • The Constitution of the State of Colorado and the laws of the state [Section 24-4.1-302(1) C.R.S.] guarantee certain rights to victims of criminal acts.
  • Learn More
The Victim Rights Act

  • The enabling legislation known as the Victim Rights Act became effective in January of 1993, and was amended in 1995, 1997, 2000, and 2006. In an attempt to balance the scales of justice, the Victim Rights Act provides victims of crime an active role in the criminal justice process.
  • Learn More
VICTIMS' COMPENSATION
Requirements for Compensation

The crime must be reported to a law enforcement agency within 72 hours, or good reason must exist for any delay in reporting.
The victim must cooperate fully with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of the case.

The Victim Services Program and the Volunteer Auxiliary work together with the District Attorney’s Office to provide information about benefits available through the Crime Victim’s Compensation Act.

Crime Victim Compensation was established to give crime victims financial assistance for losses suffered as a result of their victimization. If you have been injured, lost a family member as the result of a crime, or if your home has been damaged (windows, doors, locks), you may be eligible through the program to receive benefits.

Funds received through the Crime Victim Compensation Program do not need to be repaid by the victim or his/her family unless additional funds are received for the same losses through a civil judgement, insurance plan, etc.

In most cases, when a defendant has pled, or has been found guilty of the charges, the judge will order the defendant to pay restitution to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.

All claims for benefits through Crime Victim Compensation are processed through the Eagle County District Attorney’s Office. The claim is then presented to a three-member board, which is appointed by the district attorney of the Fifth Judicial District, and it decides whether to approve the request.

Funds for this program are generated by a surcharge on fines for all felony, class I and II misdemeanors, and traffic offenses which result in conviction or deferred judgement, and sentence.

To apply for Crime Victim Compensation, contact the Eagle County District Attorney’s Office at 970-328-6947 and or (970)337-3704  cvcinfo@da5.us

Requirements for Compensation

  • The crime must be reported to a law enforcement agency within 72 hours, or good reason must exist for any delay in reporting.
  • The victim must cooperate fully with law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of the case.
Victim Compensation Application Form 

To apply for for Crime Victim Compensation

Contact the Eagle County District Attorney’s Office at 970-328-6947 or the Eagle County Victim Services Program at 970-328-8544.
VICTIMS' & INVESTIGATION
Investigative Process

When a crime has been reported, the first concern is for the safety of all involved.
Once the officer has established that the victim and anyone else involved at the scene are safe, the investigation begins.

ECSO JPGINVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION

Investigative Process
When a crime has been reported, the responding officer’s first concern is for the safety of all involved. Once the officer has established that the victim and anyone else involved at the scene are safe, the investigation begins.

The officer may need to ask many questions that you may feel are unnecessary, unfair, or accusatory. But, these questions are a vital part of the investigation and are not intended to offend the victim. The information you provide could assist in the possible apprehension and conviction of the suspect. As the victim of or witness to the crime, you are the most valuable part of the investigation process.

Once a suspect has been arrested, bond will be set in accordance with the type of crime committed. The more serious the crime, the higher the bond. Bond is money paid as a condition of a pretrial release used to ensure return of the accused for trial proceedings. If a person is unable to obtain a personal recognizance bond authorized by a judge or to post a cash bond, they will remain incarcerated until a bond reduction hearing is held or a disposition of the case is reached.

The Prosecution

Once a suspect has been arrested and charged with a crime, the case is filed with the District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney will then appear at the court proceedings on behalf of the state. It is the District Attorney’s responsibility to present the case and allowable evidence to the court. The victim’s testimony is often crucial to the successful prosecution of the case.

Unfortunately, the investigation and judicial process of a case is time-consuming, and resolutions come slowly. Sometimes, sufficient evidence is not found to substantiate the criminal charges being filed. Sometimes the suspect is never arrested, or the case may be closed pending further leads or information. In other cases, a suspect may be arrested at the crime scene, or a warrant may be issued for his/her arrest, shortly thereafter.

All victims have the right to appear and to testify at the sentencing of the convicted if they so desire. If the victim decides not to appear or speak at the sentencing, he/she may address the court through written correspondence prior to the sentencing date.

Everyone accused of a crime, regardless of its nature, has the right to a fair trial and all victims of crimes have a right to be heard.
VICTIMS' & PROSECUTION
The Prosecution

  • Once a suspect has been arrested and charged with a crime, the case is filed with the District Attorney’s Office.
  • The victim’s testimony is often crucial to the successful prosecution of the case.
  • Everyone accused of a crime, regardless of its nature, has the right to a fair trial and all victims of crimes have a right to be heard.
ECSO JPGInvestigative Process

When a crime has been reported, the responding officer’s first concern is for the safety of all involved. Once the officer has established that the victim and anyone else involved at the scene are safe, the investigation begins.

The officer may need to ask many questions that you may feel are unnecessary, unfair, or accusatory. But, these questions are a vital part of the investigation and are not intended to offend the victim. The information you provide could assist in the possible apprehension and conviction of the suspect. As the victim of or witness to the crime, you are the most valuable part of the investigation process.

Once a suspect has been arrested, bond will be set in accordance with the type of crime committed. The more serious the crime, the higher the bond. Bond is money paid as a condition of a pretrial release used to ensure return of the accused for trial proceedings. If a person is unable to obtain a personal recognizance bond authorized by a judge or to post a cash bond, they will remain incarcerated until a bond reduction hearing is held or a disposition of the case is reached.

The Prosecution

Once a suspect has been arrested and charged with a crime, the case is filed with the District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney will then appear at the court proceedings on behalf of the state. It is the District Attorney’s responsibility to present the case and allowable evidence to the court. The victim’s testimony is often crucial to the successful prosecution of the case.

Unfortunately, the investigation and judicial process of a case is time-consuming, and resolutions come slowly. Sometimes, sufficient evidence is not found to substantiate the criminal charges being filed. Sometimes the suspect is never arrested, or the case may be closed pending further leads or information. In other cases, a suspect may be arrested at the crime scene, or a warrant may be issued for his/her arrest, shortly thereafter.

All victims have the right to appear and to testify at the sentencing of the convicted if they so desire. If the victim decides not to appear or speak at the sentencing, he/she may address the court through written correspondence prior to the sentencing date.

Everyone accused of a crime, regardless of its nature, has the right to a fair trial and all victims of crimes have a right to be heard.
REFERRAL AGENCIES
A list of referral agencies and partners to better assist victims’:

ECSO JPGREFERRAL AGENCIES AND RESOURCES

Eagle County Crime Stoppers
1-800-962-TIPS or 970-328-7007
You may also submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com or send a mobile tip using the free ‘P3 Tips’ mobile app.

National Domestic Violence Hotline/Línea directa nacional contra la violencia doméstica
(800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787−3224 Domestic Violence Support | The National Domestic Violence Hotline 

National Sexual Assault Hotline/Línea directa nacional contra la agresión sexual  

1-800-656 HOPE (4673) www.rainn.org

Speak Up Reach Out
If You’re Struggling Or Having Thoughts Of Suicide, Call Colorado Crisis Services/
Si está luchando o tiene pensamientos de suicidio, llame a la linea de Crisis de Colorado
(844) 493-8255 speakupreachout

Catholic Charities/Caridades Católicas
(cash, food assistance/ ayuda económica y comida)
Avon Office: 970-949-0405   Glenwood Springs Office:970-384-2060
catholiccharitiesusa.org

  • Need diapers? Gabriel House is open on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 11:30 – 1:30.  Location is 127 E. 3rd St., Eagle, CO  
  • Catholic Charities has funds available for emergency financial assistance help. If you owe over $3,000 in back rent, contact the state and apply for assistance in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.  Applications and more information is at Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Legal Aid/ Clinica Legal Gratis
1-800-521-6968 www.coloradolegalservices.org

Salvation Army
(food, cash assistance/ comida, ayuda economica)

Avon 970-748-0704, Glenwood 970-945-6976 salvationarmyusa.org/usn

Lift Up
(food assistance/ asistencia de comida)
Glenwood Springs 970-625-4496 liftup.org

Social Services/Servicios Sociales
970-949-7026, 970-328-8840, Basalt 970-429-2047 eaglecounty.us/HumanServices 

Bright Future Foundation
(Confidential Help for Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault/ Ayuda confidencial para sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y agresión sexual)  mybrightfuture.org 970-949-7086

Response 
(Help for Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault in the Basalt, El Jebel area/ Ayuda para sobrevivientes de violencia domestica y abuso sexual area de Basalt, El Jebel)

970-920-5357 responsehelps.org   

Swift Eagle Charitable Fund
(food, cash assistance/ ayuda económica y comida)
970-845-7655 or 970-390-4745   swifteagle.org 

Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund
(food, cash assistance/ ayuda económica y comida)

evfaf.net 

Vail Valley Cares Thrifty Shops
(cash assistance/ ayuda economica)
970-926-7134 vailvalleycares.com

MIRAbus
(food, county assistance/ ayuda de comida y del condado)
970-688-000 MIRA Bus- Camión MIRA
 
The Community Market/ Mercado de la Comunidad
(food assistance/ayuda de comida) eaglevalleycf.org

760 Lindbergh Drive Unit #7, Gypsum and at 69 Edwards Access Rd. #6, Edwards

The Youth Closet and Toy Chest United Way
(free infant-youth clothes/ropa gratis de bebé y niñ@s) unitedwayeagle.org 

439 Edwards Access Rd. Suite 206, Edwards(Behind Subway,Atras de Subway)  

District Attorney, 5th Judicial District - 970-328-6947 DA5

(Eagle County) Dispatch - 970-479-2201
Sheriff’s Office - Main - 970-328-8500 - info@sheriff.eagle.co.us

Sheriff’s Office - Basalt/El Jebel - 970-328-7697
The Hope Center
Eagle: 970-306-4673    Aspen: 970-925-5858
ourhopecenter.org/

Mountain Family Health Center   
320 Beard Creek Road Edwards, CO 81632 (970)945-2840

123 Emma Road Basalt, CO 81621 (970)945-2840

mountainfamily.org/find-a-clinic/

Eagle Valley Behavioral Health
(970) 306-4673 Local 24/7 Crisis Response

If you go to eaglevalleybh.org the "Find a Therapist" tab allows you to search by specialty, location, age group, etc.

Si va a eaglevalleybh.org/en-espanol "Encuentra Un Terapeuta" permite buscar por especialidad, ubicación, grupo de edad, etc.

Wings Foundation WINGS’ mission is to break the cycle and heal the wounds of childhood sexual abuse by providing education, advocacy and support to adult survivors, loved ones, providers and communities.

Please note: WINGS is not a 24-hour crisis hotline. If you feel that you are in crisis, please reach out to either of these 24-hour hotlines:

Colorado Crisis Services: call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Call (9am-5pm MST, Monday-Friday):
Local: 303-238-8660        Toll Free: 888-505-HEAL

Wings Foundation La misión de WINGS es romper el ciclo y curar las heridas del abuso sexual infantil proporcionando educación, defensa y apoyo a los sobrevivientes adultos, seres queridos, proveedores y comunidades.

Tenga en cuenta: WINGS no es una línea directa de crisis las 24 horas. Si siente que está en crisis, comuníquese con cualquiera de estas líneas directas las 24 horas:

Servicios de crisis de Colorado: llame al 1-844-493-8255 o envíe un mensaje de texto "TALK" al 38255

Línea directa nacional de agresión sexual de RAINN: llame al 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Llame (9am-5pm, lunes a viernes):

Local: 303-238-8660        Número gratuito: 888-505-HEAL

Roaring Fork Valley (Basalt, El Jebel area)
Financial
State & Federal Programs: Apply online for all state and federal food, medical, child care, energy, and cash assistance programs at Colorado.gov/Peak or call 970-328-8888 with questions.

For help with rent and other financial needs:
Salvation Army: 970-945-6976
Catholic Charities: 970-384-2060
The Family Resource Center of the Roaring Fork School District: 970-384-6000
Valley Settlement: www.valleysettlement.org
Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA): Many employers in Colorado must provide up to 80 hours of paid leave in 2020 to an employee when leave is associated with COVID-19.  

English flyer       Spanish flyer
Consult with your employer first about your HFWA benefit. If you do not qualify or have already used the benefit, household financial assistance may be available through LaMedichi. Register here:  www.lamedichi.org/ayuda or call/text: 970.510.0411

Roaring Fork Valley (Area de Basalt, El Jebel)
Asistencia Economica
Programas Estatales y Federales: solicite en línea todos los programas estatales y federales de asistencia de  alimentos, atención médica, cuidado infantil, electricidad y asistencia en efectivo en Colorado.gov/Peak o si tiene preguntas llame al 970-328-8888

Para ayuda con el alquiler renta u otras necesidades financieras:
Salvation Army: 970-748-0704.
Caridades Católicas: 970-949-0405.
Centro de Recursos Familiar del Distrito Escolar De Roaring Fork: 970-384-6000
Valley Settlement: www.valleysettlement.org
Acta de Familias y Lugares De Trabajo Saludables (HFWA): muchos empleadores en Colorado deben proporcionar hasta 80 horas de licencia pagada en 2020, a un empleado cuando su ausencia está asociada con COVID-19.

Folleto en español
Consulte primero con su empleador acerca de su beneficio HFWA. Si no reúne los requisitos o ya ha utilizado el beneficio, existe la posibilidad de asistencia financiera para el hogar a través de LaMedichi. Regístrese aquí:

www.lamedichi.org/ayuda o llame/ envíe un mensaje de texto: 970.510.0411

Eagle River Valley
Financial
State & Federal Programs: Apply online for all state and federal food, medical, child care, energy, and cash assistance programs at Colorado.gov/Peak or call 970-328-8888 with questions.

For help with rent and other financial needs:
Vail Valley Salvation Army: 970-748-0704
Catholic Charities: 970-949-0405
Swift Eagle Charitable Foundation: www.swifteagle.org   
Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund: www.evfaf.net 
Back to Work Scholarship - Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA): Many employers in Colorado must provide up to 80 hours of paid leave in 2020 to an employee when leave is associated with COVID-19.  

English flyer       Spanish flyer
Consult with your employer first about your HFWA benefit. If you do not qualify or have already used the benefit, household financial assistance may be available through LaMedichi. Register here:  www.lamedichi.org/ayuda or call/text: 970.510.0411

Eagle River Valley
Asistencia Economica
Programas Estatales y Federales: solicite en línea todos los programas estatales y federales de asistencia de  alimentos, atención médica, cuidado infantil, electricidad y asistencia en efectivo en Colorado.gov/Peak o si tiene preguntas llame al 970-328-8888
Para ayuda con el alquiler renta u otras necesidades financieras:
Salvation Army del Valle de Vail: 970-748-0704.
Caridades Católicas: 970-949-0405.
Fundación Caritativa Swift Eagle: www.swifteagle.org
Eagle Valley Family Assistance Fund: www.evfaf.net
Becas para Regresar al Trabajo:  Colorado Mountain College

Acta de Familias y Lugares De Trabajo Saludables (HFWA): muchos empleadores en Colorado deben proporcionar hasta 80 horas de licencia pagada en 2020, a un empleado cuando su ausencia está asociada con COVID-19.

Folleto en español
Consulte primero con su empleador acerca de su beneficio HFWA. Si no reúne los requisitos o ya ha utilizado el beneficio, existe la posibilidad de asistencia financiera para el hogar a través de LaMedichi. Regístrese aquí: www.lamedichi.org/ayuda o llame/ envíe un mensaje de texto: 970.510.0411

Eagle Valley Behavioral Health
Spanish only Facebook Page HERE

Voces Unidas
Visit their website HERE

Early Childhood Partners- Family Connect
Videos through Facebook HERE

Neighborhood Navigators
Facebook Page HERE

Iniciativa EVOM Facebook Page
Facebook Page HERE
evom@walkingmountains.org
Calendar of Events HERE
GLOSSARY
A glossary of commonly used terms to better assist victims’:

ECSO JPG    Untitled

VICTIM SERVICES GLOSSARY

Bind Over:
A case is moved from one court to another for trial or disposition.

Bond:
A monetary amount or property that represents money and security to the court that the defendant will appear at all scheduled court proceedings.

Complaint:
A written document presented to the court stating the charges against the defendant and every important aspect surrounding the crime.

Counsel:
A lawyer or group of lawyers.

Defendant:
A person accused of a criminal act or civil injustice.

Defense Attorney:
A lawyer who has been obtained or appointed to represent the defendant until the case is resolved.

District Attorney:
A lawyer, selected or appointed in a judicial district, to serve as prosecutor for the state in criminal cases.

Disposition:
The final outcome of a case, either by trial or plea bargain.

Due Process:
The judicial procedures established to protect the constitutional rights of the individual(s) involved.

Evidence:
A fact presented before the court that provides information about the crime, i.e., witnesses, weapon.

Felony:
A classification of more serious types of crime against persons or property, for which punishment can include imprisonment in a state facility or death.

Misdemeanor:
An offense that is less serious than a felony and can result in short term imprisonment in local detention facilities, fines, and/or probation.

Plaintiff:
A person who brings a civil suit before the court.

Preliminary Hearing:
A hearing generally held in County Court, where the District Attorney will attempt to show there is sufficient cause and evidence to substantiate the charges filed against the defendant. If sufficient cause is established; the defendant is bound over for trial.

Prosecutor:
A lawyer, usually a District Attorney, who represents the state in criminal legal proceedings.

Public Defender:

A lawyer, employed by the state or appointed by a judge, to represent a defendant who is unable to hire an attorney on his own.

Restraining Order:
A written document defined by the court that orders the defendant to refrain from making contact with the victim in person or by phone or third party.

Subpoena:
A written legal document directing the person named to appear in court on a particular date.

Summons:
A written legal document ordering the person named to appear in court to answer the charges in a criminal case.

Suppression of Evidence:
Based on the rules of the law, the judge may determine certain evidence is not allowed in court, either because one of the attorneys has requested suppression, or based on the judge’s own decision.

Victim :
A person who is harmed or suffers from an act, circumstances or conditions of criminal activity.

Witness :
A person present during the commission of a crime, or someone who has personal knowledge related to the crime
VOLUNTEER
ecg tv