Victim Services

Victim Rights

A victim of a crime committed by a juvenile is asserted certain rights:

  • Be informed and involved
  • Be treated fairly and with respect
  • Expect reasonable protection
  • Expect confidentiality

While a case is proceeding through the juvenile justice system, a victim can gain information about their case from a victim advocate, including:

  • Information about the status of the case
  • Information about any restitution that is ordered by the Court
  • What happens if a youth on probation does not pay restitution
  • Process for handling a violation of youth probation
  • Questions about parental responsibility to pay a youth's Court-ordered restitution

A victim is not required to attend court hearings, unless the victim is receives a subpoena to appear. A victim advocate  can answer case-specific questions about whether or not a victim is required to appear in Court. To contact the juvenile victim advocate call (541) 383-4394. For further information about the Victims' Assistance Program in Deschutes County, click here to visit the Deschutes Deputy District Attorney Victims' Assistance Program website or call (541) 388-6525. See brochure in Supporting Documents below for more information on Victims Rights or visit the Oregon Department of Justice website.

Are you the victim of a juvenile crime committed in Deschutes County?
You may be interested in learning more about the Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) program. Every victim of a crime committed by a juvenile in Deschutes County has the right to request participation in the VOD program. A community justice officer works directly with the victim and juvenile offender to determine if a face-to-face meeting is a constructive option and the case is deemed appropriate to pursue resolution and victim satisfaction.

The meeting is completely voluntary and guided by feedback from the victim. The exchange is arranged if, and only when, the victim is comfortable pursuing a direct interaction.  If you are interested in participating in a VOD, contact Tammy Skovborg at (541) 322-7677.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a victim of a juvenile offense, how can I find out about the case?

The Victim Advocate can provide information to best understand the flow of your case and possible outcomes. Court proceedings are open to the public and the involvement and participation of victims is encouraged. To contact the Victim Advocate, call the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Victims’ Assistance Program at (541) 383-4394 and ask for the Victim’s Advocate for Juvenile cases.

Category: Victim Services
How will I know what happens to the offender?

You always have the right to call and inquire as to the status of the case and what the outcome is. When the case is resolved, the Juvenile Department will send you an outcome letter along with a summary of the conditions the youth are obligated to abide by and complete. We will also send victim services survey when the case is closed. It is very important to keep your address updated with the Juvenile Department. If you do NOT wish to receive any communications, please let us know. It is your choice.

Category: Victim Services
How do I request financial compensation for damages and/or loss as a result of a juvenile offense?

You will receive a victim impact loss documentation packet by mail. To request restitution be paid to you, complete the requested information and supply supporting documentation in a timely manner.

Category: Victim Services
When will I get the money owed to me?

If restitution has been court ordered or agreed to in a Formal Accountability Agreement (FAA), you will receive notification. The payments will be mailed to you. It is very important you keep your address updated with the Juvenile Department. While every case is different, it is important to know that a youth's ability to pay restitution can vary from one person to another.

Category: Victim Services
How do I get my property returned if it has been recovered by the police?

Property may be needed as evidence if the case goes to trial. For this reason, the police will not ordinarily release your property back to you until the District Attorney advises them in writing that it is no longer needed. Sometimes it is possible to photograph urgently needed property and then release it before trial - contact the Deputy District Attorney assigned to the Juvenile Division at (541) 322-7666 for more information.

Category: Victim Services
What if the juvenile's attorney or investigator wants to talk to me?

Anyone representing the youth is permitted to talk with you only if you agree. You do have the right to refuse to speak to an attorney or private investigator for the alleged youth offender. If you decide that you would like to speak with the juvenile's attorney or private investigator, you may request to have a Deputy District Attorney present.

Category: Victim Services

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Victims Rights Brochure (441 KB)
PDF icon Victims Rights Brochure - Spanish (264 KB)

Web Links

  • Printer-friendly version