Victim/Witness Assistance Program

A message from your Commonwealth’s Attorney

The entire staff of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of both victims of crime and witnesses to criminal offenses. Each attorney and staff member understands that the judicial process cannot properly function without your assistance.

Do not hesitate to call upon me, the attorney handling your case or any staff member with any question you may have. It is the purpose of my office to keep you advised of the status of the case, your rights, and to assist you throughout the process. No question or comment is unimportant. Please do not hesitate to contact my office.

The Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has established a Victim/Witness Assistance Program to meet your particular needs. This brochure describes some of the services available and we encourage you to contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program directly, should you have any additional questions or concerns.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation, your interest, and your assistance.

What is the Victim/Witness Assistance Program?

The Hanover County Victim/Witness Assistance Program was developed to assist those who find themselves involved in the criminal justice system as crime victims or witnesses. Our program, to the best of our ability, ensures that fair and compassionate treatment is given to all victims and witnesses as entitled to them under the Virginia Crime Victims and Witnesses Rights Act.

Virginia’s Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act

As a victim or witness of crime, you have certain rights under the Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. There are specific steps you may need to take to receive these rights. For detailed information, obtain a copy of "An Informational Guide to Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act" from the Hanover Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, Police Department, Sheriff's Office or the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/victims/documents/victimsWitnessRightsActSummary.pdf

Call The Victim/Witness Program If...

• You have questions about your role as a witness.
• You need information regarding the status of your case.
• You would like an explanation of court procedures and the criminal justice system.
• You need counseling services as a result of being a victim of crime.
• You need a referral to social service agencies that provide emergency medical, psychological or financial assistance to crime victims.
• You want assistance in preparing your Victim Impact Statement.
• You have questions about crime victims' compensation or you need assistance with filing a claim.
• You are not receiving restitution payments that were ordered by the court. 
• You need to notify us of a change of address or telephone number. 
• Your personal property is being held as evidence and you want to know when you can recover it.

Contacting our Victim/Witness Program

The Program Director, Jennifer Kilcoyne, may be reached at (804) 365-6274 or via email at jbkilcoyne@co.hanover.va.us

The program’s address is P.O. Box 470, Hanover, VA 23069. The Victim/Witness office is located within the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in the Hanover General District Courts building. Please see the "Directions" section of this website for specific directions.

If you are a victim or a witness, and have questions about a General District Court case, please dial (804) 365-6274.

If you are a victim or a witness and have questions about a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court case or a Circuit Court case, please dial (804) 365-6068.