Photo: Teresa Garrett (left), 14th Judicial District victim witness coordinator, and David Ethredge, 14th Judicial District prosecutor (right), joined Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams for the reading of a proclamation in recognition of Crime Victim’s Rights Week.
This week marks the second annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and the Baxter County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had a special ceremony on Wednesday. Prosecutors met with Mountain Home Mayor Hillrey Adams for the reading of a Crime Victims’ Rights Week proclamation.
Act 1262 of 1997 passed by the Arkansas State Legislature requires all law enforcement agencies, including a prosecuting attorney’s office, to give victims an explanation of their rights. Prosecutors provide assistance to victims by keeping them updated on court appearances and providing them with information and assistance if support systems are needed.
Victims can also be provided with assistance in applying for the Crime Victims Reparations Board. The board will give assistance if a victim is impacted by the loss of work wages or financial hardships through hospitalization and continuation of medical bills.
Prosecutors will also sign up victims with VINE for status updates of an offender in prison and prepare victims and witnesses for jury trials. In addition, victims can prepare an impact statement for the prosecutor and presiding judge to read before sentencing an offender.
Following the proclamation reading, the Baxter County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office planned to visit several organizations and present them with a certificate of appreciation. Honorary organizations include the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, the Mountain Home Police Department, the Arkansas State Police and its Crimes Against Children Division, Alpha House, Serenity, Inc. and Grandma’s House.
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