NCJ Number
150261
Date Published
Unknown
Length
51 pages
Annotation
Wyoming's 1985 Crime Victims Compensation Act created the Crime Victims Compensation Commission (CVCC) and authorized financial compensation for certain unreimbursed losses incurred by victims of violent crimes.
Abstract
The intent of the act is not to compensate all crime victims but only to compensate those who have actually incurred specific financial losses. The CVCC is responsible for administering and controlling the crime victims compensation account. Funds come mainly from surcharges assessed against persons convicted of crimes in Wyoming courts. The account is a source of last resort for crime victims, and every other collateral or alternative source of compensation must be exhausted before crime victims can be said to suffer out-of-pocket losses. Law enforcement agencies are statutorily obligated to advise crime victims of the compensation program. Persons covered by the act include crime victims who suffered physical injury or death as a result of violent crimes. Application for compensation must be made within 1 year of the date of injury or death. The maximum award is $10,000, and funds can be used for medical, funeral, and homemaker services and for loss of earnings or support. Possible eligibility problems are noted, claim and appeal processes are described, and guidelines for completing the compensation application are provided. The text of the Crime Victims Compensation Act and application and disbursement forms are included.