• Rights of a victim
• Victim/Witness Program
• Important Telephone Numbers

As a victim or witness of a crime, you are entitled to be treated with dignity and compassion and to be free from intimidation. You should be informed about the criminal justice system and have inconveniences associated with participation in that system minimized or eliminated whenever possible.

You should be advised of case progress and you should be notified in advance when and if your presence in court is or is not needed. You should be informed about available remedies, financial assistance and social services that are available to you if you are a victim.

You will be compensated through witness fees for your time in court., You have the right to prompt return of property taken from you when it is no longer needed as evidence and you should receive restitution whenever possible for losses.

Support while in the courtroom is available to you through the Victim/Witness Coordinator and in certain cases a victim may address the sentencing judge before sentence is pronounced.

We understand that being a witness to or the victim of a crime can be extremely stressful and frightening. It is for you, in large measure, that the Office of the County Attorney Victim/Witness Program exists.

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Victim/Witness Program and support... .

• Crisis intervention/support to victims and witnesses to meet urgent emotional and/ or physical needs.
• Orientation into the criminal justice system, explaining the criminal justice process, advising the status of cases, hearing dates, plea negotiations, etc.
• Court advocacy services: such as courtroom tours, accompaniment and support throughout the court hearing including before and after trial.
• Coordinates victims'/witness' scheduled court appearances to minimize inconveniences and disruption.
• Make referrals about available financial, medical, psychological, and social services.
• Assist victims in applying for victim compensation.
• Prepare witnesses for court to allay fear.
• Advise victims of their rights under RSA 21:M:8-k, including the right to address the court at sentencing, the right to be notified of parole board hearings and other sentencing changes and the right to be notified of an appeal.
• Assistance with the preparation of victim impact statements.
• Assistance in obtaining witness fees.
• Facilitate the return of property being used as evidence.

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• Belknap County Attorney - 527-5440
• Belknap County Superior Court - 524-3570
• Belknap County Sheriff's Dept - 527-5454
• Greater Lakes Child Advocacy Center - 524-5497
• Mental Health Counseling:
  • Genesis - 524-1100
  • Child & Family Services - 524-5835
• Domestic and Sexual Violence:
  • New Beginnings: A Women's Crisis Center
    24 -hour Domestic Violence line - 1-866-644-3574
    24-hour Sexual Assault line - 1-800-277-5570
• Hospitals:
  • Lakes Region General Hospital - 524-3211
  • Franklin Regional Hospital - 934-2060
  • Huggins Hospital - 569-7500
  • Frisbee Hospital - 332-3100
• General Assistance:
  • Community Action Program
    Laconia for Belknap & Merrimack Counties - 524-5512
  • Meredith 279-4096
    
  • Franklin 934-3444
  • Alcoholics Anonymous 1-800-593-3330
  • Help Line (Toll Free) 1-800-852-3388
  • NH Div. of Child & Youth (DCYS) .... 524-4485
  • DCYF to Report Child Abuse ... 1-800-894-5533
  • After 5:00 p.m 1-800-852-3388
• Law Related Services/Referrals:
  • NH Bar Assoc. Lawyer Referral - 603-229-0002
• Financial Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes:
  NH Victims' Assistance Comm. 1-800-300-4500

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