What is the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation Program and who is eligible?

The Crime Victim Compensation Program is through the Illinois Attorney General's Office for victims of "violent crime that occurred in the State of Illinois or are an Illinois resident that was victimized in another state or country that does not have a Crime Victim Compensation Program. They provide direct financial assistance to innocent victims of "violent crime to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses related to the crime. They will assist violent crime victims and families of homicide that do not have any other means to cover medical, burial, counseling, support, etc.

Go to the Attorney General's website. And click on crime victims or call the crime victims services toll-free at 800-228-3368. You may also contact your victim assistance coordinator in the State's Attorney's office. The coordinator can assist you with questions and help with the application process. Compensation is not guaranteed. Applicants must meet the criteria listed for violent crime victims to apply.

If you are an uninsured, violent-crime victim who was hospitalized first check with the hospital to apply under the Illinois Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act. (IHUPDA) This requires hospitals to give discounted care to eligible uninsured Illinois residents. Victims of violent crime may also apply to the Attorney General's Crime Victim's Compensation Program. Applications can be retrieved online at or call 800-228-3368 (TTY: 877-398-1130.)

In other cases, all documentation of bills should be forwarded to the investigating police department and also copies should be mailed or faxed to the prosecutor or victim coordinator assigned to your case as soon as possible. If the defendant pleas or is sentenced, they could be ordered to pay restitution as part of the sentence. Restitution will also be ordered in criminal court cases wherever practical and possible. Unfortunately, it is not always realistic in criminal cases for restitution to be ordered or paid, such as in severe injury involving several thousands of dollars, or when violent offenders are sentenced to prison for a long time such as in murder.

Visit the Illinois Attorney General's website.

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1. What do I do if I just had a crime committed against me?
2. Who investigates a crime?
3. Who determines what crime to charge the defendant?
4. What is an indictment?
5. What is an arraignment?
6. Will the defendant be sentenced the same day he/she is found guilty of a violent crime?
7. What is a sentencing hearing?
8. What is a pre-sentence investigation report (PSI)?
9. What happens if the defendant is sentenced to the Department of Corrections (prison)?
10. How much actual time will a defendant serve on his incarceration sentence in the department of corrections (prison)?
11. Will the defendant be ordered to pay restitution?
12. If restitution is ordered how does it get to the victim?
13. How long does the defendant get to pay restitution?
14. What happens if restitution is not paid?
15. What is the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Compensation Program and who is eligible?
16. Will I have to testify in court?
17. What do I do if I receive a subpoena to testify?
18. What should I do if the defense attorney or investigator contacts me?
19. What are the responsibilities of a witness to a crime?
20. How long will I be in court?
21. Can a friend or relative be in court when I testify?
22. Will the defendant be in the courtroom when I testify?