Contact Us
Location:
802 Avenue E.
Ely, Nevada
Mailing:
c/o WPCSO
1758 Great Basin Blvd
Ely, NV 89301
Telephone: 775-289-3410 | 800-372-7202
Email: vws@sbcglobal.net
Victims, Witnesses to violent crimes, or community members with questions in Lincoln county may call 1-800-372-7202, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 12:30 pm or they may reach Maxine Lantz, program Director/Advocate anytime at 775-296-1633.
Who We Are
Victims/Witness Services (VWS) is a system advocacy program for the Lincoln county Sheriff’s office and DistrictAttorney’s Office. We actually serve three counties (Lincoln, Eureka and White Pine) and two Shoshone Indian Reservations (Duckwater and Ely).
What We Do
Our advocates provide a number of services to help people who have become victims or witnesses to violent crimes. We provide Criminal Justice system information; case monitoring; accompaniment to court/law enforcement/prosector; assistance in filing for victim compensation programs – both county and state; liaison with prosecutors and/or law enforcement; supply 911 emergency cell phones for those that have no phone access; locate resources; assist with emergency shelter; provide information on topics of crime, criminal justice system and other related systems, such as Division of Child and Family Services and Child Protective Services.
There is no charge for any assistance by VWS advocates. There is no age, gender or ethic requirement.
Because we are system-based, government related, we become involved when law enforcement, prosecutors and/or Child Protective Services is accessed by a victim or victim’s loved ones. We receive calls from deputies, prosecutors, medical, CPS and direct calls from victims, witnesses and community members.
What Can I Do to Help?
Donate time, money, office supplies, educate people about our services.
Victim/Winess Services Volunteer Advocate
Our mission is to provide assistance and accompaniment for victims and/or witnesses or violent crime throughout the criminal justice system process.
Trained advocates are ready to talk to victims or witnesses on the phone or meet in any safe and confidential place. We provide referral to resources as well.
To become an advocate you must:
- Maintain total confidentiality of the people we serve.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Work easily with people of all ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
- Accompany people to attend a criminal proceeding, interviews with authorities and other agencies.
- Give appropriate referrals to clients based on their needs.
Victim/Witness Service Program
What is Victim/Witness Services?
The victim/Witness Services program of the District attorney is designed to provide assistance and accompaniment for victims and/or witnesses throughout the criminal justice system.
How is it Funded?
The program is grant funded. Grants have been awarded by the Division of Child and Family Services Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), and the State of nevada Attorney General’s Office Violence Against Women Act (STOP VAWA). These awards are fiscally managed by the lincoln county District Attorney’s Office. community support is obtained by inkind donations of supplies, services and volunteer hours.
What Can the Victim Witness System do for Me?
The Advocates will help you file for compensation programs (if eligible), attend court and interviews (upon request), locate resources and referrals throughout the justice system.
What is the “Criminal Justice System?”
The criminal justice system is made up of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, courts, jails, prisons, probation and parole officers, parole board and advocates. Each assigned their own specific tasks.
What are Victim/Witness Service Advocates?
Victim/Witness Services advocates are persons available to help victims and/or witnesses understand and access the criminal justice system. Advocates help clarify procedures, inform about assistance programs and resources. Advocates are informed, non-authority “friends” for victims, survivors and witnesses or crime, ensuring their rights are known.
What are “Victim Rights?”
the 1983 Nevada General Assembly mandated certain rights and guarantees to the Crime victim’s Bill of Rights. Chapter 178 of the Nevada Revised Statutes recognizes the following rights for crime victims and witnesses:
- You have the right to know the status of the case in which you are involved.
- You have the right to be free from intimidation or dissuasion.
- You have the right to know when your impounded property can be released.
- You have the right to receive a witness fee for lawful obedience to a subpoena.
- You have the right to understand the existing victim compensation laws and receive compensation if applicable.
- You have the right to a secure waiting area, which is not available to the defendant or his family, when you are in court.
- You have the right to know when the defendant is released from custody before or during trial (upon written request).
- You have the right to know when the offender is released from prison (upon written request).