FAQs
Misdemeanor or felony, what’s the difference?
Generally, if the crime committed against you did not involve a weapon (such as a knife or gun) or your injuries did not result in serious bodily harm, then it is classified as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors that occur within the city of Las Vegas are prosecuted by the Las Vegas City Attorney’s Office.
When is the next court hearing?
You will receive a letter in the mail with the case number. Please contact your victim advocate if you have not received this letter to confirm that your correct address is on file.
What is restitution?
Restitution is the act of restoring or making good for some injury or damage. This may include out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills or payment for property damage caused by the defendant. In order to make the prosecutor aware of the costs incurred, a victim must contact a victim witness advocate.
The advocate will need to be given a copy of the replacement/repair receipt(s) or estimates for the repair. If possible, you should forward photos of the damaged items to the advocate.
If you are seeking restitution for medical expenses, you must forward the medical bills and records to your victim witness advocate. Crime victims, who are physically injured and seek medical attention, may be eligible for assistance through the State of Nevada’s Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
If the Judge Orders restitution as part of a sentence, the defendant will make payment(s) directly to the Las Vegas Municipal Court, the payment will be processed by the Court and mailed directly to the victim. If there are any changes to your contact information i.e. address, phone number or email please notify the Victim Witness Program at 702.229.2525.
CAO Restitution Requests
CAO Restitution Request Spanish
What if I have additional evidence?
Additional evidence can be reviewed by the City Attorney's Office, and in specific circumstances, be used in criminal proceedings. If you have additional evidence, please contact a victim witness advocate to find out how to submit the evidence.
What is a Victim Impact Statement?
As a victim of a crime, you have the right to make a statement to the judge before sentencing. The statement can include your views on the crime, the impact the crime has on you and if you have a need for restitution. The statement can be given orally or in writing. If you want to make a Victim Impact Statement in person, you must contact a victim witness advocate prior to the court date. In order to learn the next court date, please call the Victim Witness Program at 702.229.2525.
If you would like to write a Victim Impact Statement, you may email it to the Victim Witness Program (LVCAVW@lasvegasnevada.gov) or mail it to P.O. Box 3930, Las Vegas, NV 89127.
Victim Impact Statement Form
Victim Impact Statement Form - Spanish
What are my rights as a victim?
Victims' Bill of Rights
Victims' Bill of Rights - Spanish
Workplace Victim Rights (Domestic Violence)
Workplace Victim Rights (Domestic Violence) - Spanish
I just received a subpoena, what happens now?
If you have received a subpoena, you must attend Court on the date specified and be on time, unless the matter is called off. Call the number on the subpoena 702.229.6213 the night before the court date to see if the matter is called off. If you do not hear the defendant’s name on the recording, you must appear as scheduled.
I have work scheduled the day of court; how should I let my employer know I have been issued a subpoena?
If you have received a subpoena to appear in court, you are legally required to attend. Inform your employer as soon as possible by providing a copy of the subpoena and explaining that your appearance is mandatory under the law. Most employers understand that subpoenas are court-ordered obligations and will accommodate your absence. If employers have questions, they may contact the number on the subpoena or the Victim Witness Program at 702.229.2525.
What if I don’t have transportation to come to Court?
Advise the Investigator who served you with the subpoena of this issue. Otherwise, you can contact the Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 to see if transportation can be arranged.
Is the subpoena mandatory?
Yes. Failure to appear in Court after being served with a subpoena can have negative consequences.
What should I bring to Court?
Generally, you just need to appear in Court with your subpoena. If you have any additional evidence you want the prosecutor to review, please contact 702.229.6201 prior to the date on the subpoena.
What if the Defendant continues to contact and harass me?
Call the Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 and they can discuss getting a Stay Away Order issued from the Court. They can also assist you with obtaining a protective order against the Defendant.
What if I’m being threated and am scared to come to Court?
If you are being threatened, please notify the advocate or the prosecuting attorney. If any crimes such as break-ins or further harm have been committed against you, please file a police report.
Once you are in Court, our office can keep you separated from the Defendant and in a different room while speaking with the prosecuting attorney to make sure you feel safe. There will also be a Court Marshal present to ensure that you feel safe while in the courtroom.
If the Defendant is found guilty, the Court can order the Defendant to stay away from you as part of the sentence.
How do I find out who the prosecutor is?
Call the main line at 702.229.6201 with the Defendant’s name and case number. The front desk can direct to you to the prosecutor handling the matter and/or a Victim Witness Advocate.
Will I be able to speak with the prosecutor before the trial?
Yes. Once you appear in court, the prosecutor will meet with you to discuss the facts of the case, explain the trial process and discuss penalties against the Defendant. If you want to talk to the prosecutor before the trial date, call the Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 and they can arrange a telephone call or in-person meeting.
Will the prosecutor consider what punishment I want the defendant to receive (i.e. jail time, probation, mental health counseling, alcohol abuse counseling, etc.)
The prosecutor will always take what you want into consideration, but it will be ultimately the decision of the prosecutor to determine what type of offer to make on the case and whether or not there is a mandatory penalty. Types of punishment can be a probation period, counseling sessions for anger, domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse, fines, community service, and/or jail or prison time. As a victim of a crime, you have the right to make a statement to the judge before sentencing. The statement can be in writing through a Victim Impact Statement or verbally at the time of sentencing.
What if I have evidence that the police did not collect?
Please contact the Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 as soon as possible or tell the Investigator who served your subpoena. You can bring it in on the day of trial, but the trial date may get continued to give the prosecutor and the defense attorney time to review the additional evidence.
What will happen in Court?
Once you check into the courtroom an attorney will speak with you as soon as there is a court break.
Will I need to testify?
If the case is negotiated you will not need to testify. If the case goes forward with trial, you will have to testify. The prosecutor will answer any questions you have about testifying on the day of trial.
Can I drop the charges?
In Nevada, a victim does not have the power to “drop” the charge. A criminal case involves a crime against the State of Nevada, not a particular victim. The prosecuting attorney represents the city of Las Vegas. Charges will be “dropped” only if the prosecuting attorney is convinced it is in the best interest of the city of Las Vegas to do so.
What if I am having financial problems or mental health issues and need help?
Please contact our Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 to discuss assistance programs.
What if I can’t make Court that day?
Let the Investigator who is serving you with the subpoena know the reason you are unable to attend Court. The prosecuting attorney might be able to change the trial date with advanced notice.
How do I get a restraining order or TPO against my abuser?
Contact the Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 to assist with obtaining a restraining order against your abuser.
What if I move or change my phone number?
Please let our office know of your new address and/or phone number so that we can keep you updated on the case status.
The Defendant broke my property or caused medical bills; can I get that money back?
The prosecutor can ask for reimbursement for some property damage expenses and/or medical bills. Please contact the Victim Witness Advocates at 702.229.2525 to assist with a restitution request with supporting receipts.