FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

RESTITUTION

As a victim of a crime, you are entitled to some form of compensation for your losses or damages as a direct result of a criminal act. Listed below are ways you may be able to recover your losses:

Once criminal charges are filed, you will be provided with a restitution form by theDistrict Attorney's Office. At your request, a Victim/Witness Coordinator will be available toassist you in completing this form. To request assistance, call us at 610-478-6000 ore-mailus atVictimWitness@countyofberks.com.

Only expenses incured as a direct result of the crime are considered for restitution.

Expenses covered are:

- Medical bills

- Counseling fees

- Property damage

- Fair value of stolen items

ExpensesNOT coveredare:

- Lost wages

- Gas mileage for hearings

- Car rentals

- Money for "pain and suffering"

Restitution claims are processed as follows:

- Court decides and orders the restitution at the time of sentencing

- Enforcement of restitution payments is handled by the Adult Probation Office

- Collection and distribution of monies is handled by the Clerk of Courts Office

- To monitor payments, log onto public docket sheet.

Note: Indirect expenses may be pursued through civil litigation.

VICTIMS COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VCAP)

This program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The VCAP covers any unreimbursed:

-Medical expenses

-Counseling fees

-Loss of earnings

-Loss of Support

-Stolen Cash Benefit

-Relocation Expenses

-Funeral expenses

-Crime Scene Clean-up

Eligibility:

To determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements, ask one of our Victim/Witness Coordinators, call VCAP directly at 1-800-233-2339 or click here.

To open a claim:

-File on-line

-Call a Victim/Witness Coordinator at (610) 478-6000.