Victim's Assistance

Contact:
Meg Spatz
St. John DA's Office
1710 Cannes Drive, LaPlace, LA
(985) 652-1716

MISSION STATEMENT

Victim's assistanceThe mission of the St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney’s Victim Assistance program is to treat every victim of crime with fairness, dignity and respect and to  provide information, support and assistance to victims of crime and their families.

Victims of violent felony crimes, under Louisiana Constitution Article 1 Section 2 and Revised Statutes 46:1841, have the following rights:

  • The right to reasonable notice and to be present and heard during all critical stages of pre- and post-conviction proceedings;
  • The right to confer with the prosecution prior to final disposition of the case;
  • The right to refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused;
  • The right to review and comment on any presentence report;
  • The right to a reasonably prompt conclusion of the case;
  • The right to seek restitution;
  • The right to be informed upon the release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender.

SERVICES WE OFFER

  • Liaison between the prosecutor and the victim.
  • Notification of upcoming court dates.
  • Available inside and outside the courtroom to answer questions about their case.
  • Offer informal meetings with victims.
  • Assist with Victim Notification Forms and Victim Impact Statements.
  • Help guide victim through the court process.
  • Available to accompany victims into court and provide emotional support through    the court process.  A separate waiting area will be made available if requested.
  • Assist with referrals to local community services for financial and emotional support.
  • Assist victim with receiving restitution.

Compensation Fund

Some victims of violent crime are eligible for victim compensation from the Crime Victims Reparations Board. Those who qualify may be paid for expenses resulting from the crime such as unpaid medical expenses and funeral expenses.

Important Victim Contacts:

Meg Spatz
St. John DA's Office
1710 Cannes Drive, LaPlace, LA
(985) 652-1716

Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations
Tel. (225) 925-4437 Toll Free (888) 684-2846
Website: http://www.lcle.state.la.us/programs/cvr.asp

Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System
Toll Free (866) 528-6748
Website: https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/initMap.do

Department of Corrections Crime Victims Services Bureau
P.O. Box 94304, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9304
Tel. (225) 342-6223 Toll free (888) 342-6110
Website: http://www.corrections.state.la.us/view.php?cat=15&id=31