This past weekend, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour pulled the rug out from under crime victims when he quietly pardoned four inmates that had been convicted of murder. All four inmates were serving life sentences, and had worked as trustees in the governor’s mansion. (Read more) These four pardons were all granted without advance warning to [...]
What is a Victim Impact Statement?
Missouri crime victims will often receive a document from the prosecuting attorney that is called ...
The Need to Protect Children
A disturbing series of events is being reported in Pennsylvania that highlights the need to report suspected sexual abuse. Gerald Sandusky is a former assistant football coach at Penn State. He also worked for a charity called The Second Mile, which purported to help troubled youth. A grand jury in Pennsylvania has found that Sandusky [...]
A Lesson From The Dominique Strauss-Kahn Case
The dismissal of a recent sexual assault case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn highlights a key difference between civil and criminal cases. Strauss-Kahn was the chief of the International Monetary Fund who was charged with sexually assaulting a hotel maid while on a visit to Manhattan, New York. Prosecutors filed the charge on May 18th. After further [...]
Download a free copy of “What Every Crime Victim Should Know About Civil Law”
We just released our booklet, What Every Crime Victim Should Know About Civil Law. It contains helpful information such as: 1. The differences between civil and criminal law; 2. A civil case timeline; 3. Explanation of damages; 4. The importance of third party liability. Download a free electronic version here. (If you would like us to mail you a printed copy, [...]
Tip #8 – The Fifth Amendment is Different in Civil Cases
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides significant protection for criminal defendants. In essence, it states that criminal defendants cannot be forced to provide testimony against themselves. They can’t be forced to talk during an interview, and they can’t be forced to testify during a trial. Further, if they choose to remain silent, that [...]
Attention Runners & Walkers!
Crime Victim Legal Services is proud to help sponsor the Walk Run Live UNITED 5K/10K on September 10, 2011. This event is organized by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph and will take place on the campus of Missouri Western State University. Learn more about it here.
Tip #9: The Differing Roles of Victims in Criminal & Civil Cases
It is important that Missouri crime victims understand that their roles are different in criminal and civil cases. Criminal cases are filed by the prosecuting attorney on behalf of the State of Missouri. The victim is most often a primary witness for the prosecution, but they are not considered a true party to the case. [...]
Tip #10: Civil Recovery Can Begin Before the Criminal Case is Over
Some Missouri crime victims think that they have to wait until the criminal case is finished before they can begin their civil case. This thought is wrong. The civil case and the criminal case are independent of each other. As such, there is no particular order in which they must proceed. They can even occur [...]
The Top 10 Things That Crime Victims Need to Know About Civil Law
For the next 10 weeks, I will begin a series of posts titled, “The Top 10 Things That Crime Victims Need to Know About Civil Law.” Each week I will address one particular issue, and explain how it relates to crime victims. This information will guide crime victims, victim advocates, and anyone else that deals with the consequences of [...]
9/11 Victim Uses Lawsuit To Get Answers
Last week, I went to Washington, D.C. to attend a conference sponsored by the National Crime Victim Bar Association. While there, I heard Julie Shontere and Keith Franz speak. Ms. Shontere’s daughter was killed in the 9/11 crash at the Pentagon, and Mr. Franz was the attorney that represented the Shontere family. Ms. Shontere basically had [...]
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The Difference Between Criminal Law & Civil Law
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Match.com and Third Party Liability
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Missouri Case.net
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How Is Bond Determined?
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When Can I Start My Civil Case?
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The Power of a Pardon
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The Need to Protect Children
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A Lesson From The Dominique Strauss-Kahn Case
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Attention Runners & Walkers!
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Download a free copy of “What Every Crime Victim Should Know About Civil Law”