Last Updated on: 20th October 2023, 09:19 am

Steps to Take If You Believe You Are the Victim of a Federal Crime

Being the victim of any crime can be scary and overwhelming. If you believe you have been the victim of a federal crime, it is important to know your rights and the steps to take. This article will walk through the key things you should do if you are the victim of a federal crime.

Report the Crime

The first step is to report the crime. For federal crimes, you’ll want to report it to the appropriate federal law enforcement agency. Some key agencies include:

• FBI – for crimes like terrorism, cyber crimes, civil rights violations, public corruption, financial fraud, hate crimes, and more. You can report a crime to the FBI here.
• Secret Service – for crimes like counterfeiting currency, identity theft, computer fraud, and threats against the president. You can contact your local Secret Service field office.
• Postal Inspection Service – for crimes involving the postal system like mail theft or fraud. You can file a report here.

When reporting the crime, provide as many details as possible – what happened, when, where, who was involved, any evidence or witnesses, and how to contact you. The more info you can provide, the better the investigators can look into the crime.

You may also want to report federal crimes to your local police, as they may work jointly with federal agencies. But be sure to reach out to the appropriate federal agency too.

Seek Medical Attention

If you were physically injured in the crime, seek medical care right away. This is important for your health and also to document your injuries. Ask the hospital or clinic for copies of your medical records to keep as evidence.

Save receipts for medical expenses, prescriptions, medical equipment, therapy, and any other costs related to the crime. These records will be important later if you seek restitution.

Preserve Evidence

Try to preserve any evidence related to the crime. For example:

• Keep any damaged property, clothing, or other items related to the crime. Do not throw them away or try to wash or repair them.
• Take photos of injuries, damage, or crime scenes.
• Save any emails, text messages, social media posts, or other communications related to the crime.
• Write down your recollections of what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.
• Keep a journal of how the crime has impacted you emotionally, physically, financially, etc.

Preserving evidence will help investigators and prosecutors build a stronger case.

Seek Counseling

Being the victim of a crime can take a serious toll on your mental health. Seek counseling or therapy to help you process what happened. Many victim service organizations offer free counseling services.

Counseling can also help you deal with the emotions that may come up during the investigation and legal process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Consider Hiring a Lawyer

As a victim of federal crime, you have certain rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA). An attorney can help advise you on your rights and ensure they are enforced.

An attorney can do things like:

• Advocate for your rights in court
• Seek protective orders or restraining orders against the offender
• Advise you before any plea deals or deferred prosecution agreements
• Represent you at plea or sentencing hearings to make victim impact statements
• Seek restitution or file civil lawsuits on your behalf

Look for lawyers experienced in federal criminal cases and victims’ rights. Your local bar association can help you find attorneys.

Stay Informed on the Case

You have a right to be informed about the status of the investigation and any court proceedings. This includes things like[1]:

• Being notified of any arrests or charges filed
• Getting notice of any public court dates or parole hearings
• Learning about any plea bargains or deferred prosecution agreements
• Knowing if the offender is released from custody
• Being informed about the status of the case and investigation

Federal agencies must provide this information to registered victims. Ask investigators and prosecutors how you can register to receive notifications.

You can also call the law enforcement agency or U.S. Attorney’s Office handling the case for updates. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your right to know what is happening.

Provide Victim Impact Information

For federal cases that lead to conviction, you have a right to provide information on how the crime impacted you. This includes[2]:

• Completing a victim impact statement – This is your chance to tell the court, in your own words, how the crime affected you financially, physically, emotionally, etc.
• Providing input to probation officers – They will reach out to gather information on the crime’s impact to help inform sentencing recommendations. Be as detailed as possible.
• Making oral victim impact statements – You have a right to speak at plea or sentencing hearings to directly address the court.
• Submitting restitution information – Provide documentation to support your losses from the crime, like medical bills, lost income, counseling costs, etc.

This information is important to help the court understand the full impact of the crime when making sentencing decisions.

Apply for Crime Victim Compensation

Most states have crime victim compensation programs that can reimburse victims for costs related to the crime. This can include medical bills, counseling, lost wages, funeral expenses, and more.

To apply, contact your state’s victim compensation agency. You can find contact info here.

Federal crimes may be eligible, but programs vary by state. Apply as soon as possible – there are usually time limits. Keep records of all expenses related to the crime to support your claim.

Seek Other Support Services

There are many organizations that provide support services for federal crime victims, including[3]:

• Help finding counseling or therapy
• Assistance applying for compensation or restitution
• Court accompaniment and advocacy
• Help with transportation, housing, or everyday needs
• Support groups to connect with other victims
• Legal clinics or help accessing attorneys

Reach out to victim services organizations in your area to learn more about available support. The OVC Directory can help you find local programs.