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Our Mission

To insure the fair Prosecution of felony cases in an ethical manner.  To provide support through education and communication to Law Enforcement and the communities within the District.

Welcome to the 31st District Attorney Website
Helping Victims Victims' Rights

What is the Victims' Rights Division?

The Victims' Rights Division of the 31st District Attorney's Office was established to provide information, assistance, and support to victims of crime in the 31st District. The Code of Criminal Procedure Article 56.04 states that every District Attorney's Office must have a victim assistance coordinator. The coordinators are liaisons between the victim and the prosecutor handling the case and provide crime victims with information about their rights and the criminal justice system including ongoing information about the status of a case. Coordinators also provide referrals to appropriate social service agencies to assist crime victims in coping with the impact of the crime. The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming to those who are not familiar with it. Therefore the coordinators assigned to this division are committed to helping victims and witnesses through the process by providing them with the help and services necessary to assist their recovery of the criminal act.

What services does the Victims' Rights Division provide?

  • Initial Contact: Contact victims by mail as soon as the case is accepted for prosecution.
  • Case Status: Provide on-going, up-dated case status information.
  • Criminal Justice System Information: Explain court procedures and schedules.
  • Crime Victim Compensation Fund: Provide information and assist victims of violent crime in filing applications for benefits.
  • Victim Impact Statements: Provide information and assist

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What should a witness know before appearing in court?

  • Always tell the truth. Do not guess or make up an answer. If you are asked about little details which you do not remember, it is best to say " I do not remember".
  • Answer all questions directly. Answer only the question that is asked. If you can answer with a "yes" or "no", do so. If you do not understand a question, Feel free to have the question repeated or explained.

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Crime Victims' Rights in Texas

Victim means a person who is the victim of an offense of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, or injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual or who has suffered personal injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another. A close relative is a spouse, parent, adult brother/sister or adult child of a deceased victim or the guardian of a victim. As a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim you are entitled to the following rights with the criminal justice system:

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What are the victim's rights to speak after punishment?

Victim's Right to Speak After Punishment Article 42.03 (1) (b), Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, provides victims of violent crime (or the close relative of a deceased victim, or the guardian of a victim) the right to speak in court after punishment has been assessed. The victim's remarks are limited to the victim's views about the offense, the defendant and the effect of the offense on the victim. Although the victim may address both the court and the defendant, the victim may not ask any questions of the defendant.

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