 |
 |
|
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
|
 
The Homicide Unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office handles the investigation and prosecution of homicides and motor vehicle homicides. The Unit's Victim Witness Advocacy dates back to 1987 in response to the needs of family members, friends, secondary victims and witnesses whose lives are touched by homicide, motor vehicle homicide and fatal police shootings. Cases of homicide and motor vehicle homicide present extremely complex emotional and legal issues for survivors and witnesses. Advocates play a critical role in these cases and are actively involved in all homicide and motor vehicle homicide investigations, both pre- and post-arrest. Advocates facilitate the scheduling of as many meetings as necessary between the family and the ADA. They meet prior to a plea or trial to prepare for the court proceedings and to obtain their input into plea negotiations and sentencing decisions. VWAs also routinely meet with families to prepare impact statements for sentencing hearings. VWAs also provide court accompaniment and in-court support throughout the trial process. After sentencing, the advocates assist families with CORI notification paperwork, explain the appellate process, schedule meetings with the A.D.A. assigned to handle their appeal and accompany families to any Appellate Court or S.J.C. arguments they may wish to attend. With the recent influx of post-conviction Motions for New Trial, the VWAs provide families with the information about what these hearings entail and assist them with negotiating the court proceedings if they wish to attend. Throughout any of the above court proceeding, the VWA will assess with families their need for counseling and support as they negotiate the court system. Unfortunately, not every family can hope for their loved one's case to result in a successful investigation and prosecution. Without the possibility of imminent arrest, a family navigates an even more difficult road in their recovery process. In recognition of these difficulties, advocates provide regular contact with families throughout the first year after a homicide and help families sort through their grief and assist them with connecting to counseling options and support groups as well as assisting them with Victim Compensation applications and safety issues as they arise. All of the Homicide VWAs are senior staff with extensive specialized training. Advocates in the Homicide Unit are in contact with families immediately after a tragedy has occurred and are able of offer advocacy and support from the time of the incident until the conclusion of the Appellate process. The Homicide Unit also offers specialized services for Motor Vehicle Homicides. The criminal justices system's response to these cases frequently results in serious emotional reactions and frustration with the criminal court process for families of victims. Handling these cases within the Homicide Unit sends an unequivocal message that their loss is as severe as the loss of any homicide survivor, despite the often-contrary message they receive from the criminal justice system. Advocates routinely spend large amounts of time assisting families in preparing for the sentencing hearings of these difficult cases so that families feel ready to offer impact statements that feel meaningful and appropriate. OUR SERVICES SURVIVORS OF HOMICIDE INCLUDE: Victim of Violent Crime application assistance One of our advocates can assist you with your Victim of Violent Crime Compensation form and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us with any compensation or benefit questions you may have Crisis Intervention and therapy referrals We can help you review your options and locate a mental health service or support group that can meet your needs Court Notification We will notify you of every court date in your loved one's case Bail Notification Services Our Victim/Witness program offers Bail Notification Services for yourself and your family- twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week Education about the Criminal Justice System/Your rights under the Victim Bill of Rights The court system can be an intimidating and frustrating experience for any family. Our advocacy staff will make sure that your rights under the Victim Bill of Rights (MGL, ch. 258B) are respected and you understand the court process. Trial Preparation/In Court Advocacy and Support We will help prepare you for the trial process and your possible testimony. We are also on hand to offer in-court support throughout the trial process. Victim Impact Statement Preparation Under the Victim Bill of Rights you and your family have the right to be heard at sentencing in an oral or written statement about the effects of your tragedy. Our staff will work with you to prepare a statement that you feel is appropriate and meaningful. Post Sentencing Issues We will assist you with applying for CORI certification, making contact with the Parole Board and keep you updated on the status of your appeal.
Have You Ever Lost a Loved One
Who Meant the World to You Someone You Loved So Very Much And Miss Them as I Do A Thousand Words Can't Bring Them Back I Know, Because I've Tried My Heart Aches With Sadness My Secret Tears Still Flow For What It Meant To Lose You No One Will Ever Know Beside Your Grave I often Stand And Try So Hard To Understand The Tears In My Eyes I Can Brush Away But the Ache In My Heart Is Here To Stay I Miss You More Than Anyone Knows Each Day Without You The Emptiness Grows I Laugh, I Cry, I Play The Part But Beneath It All Lies A Parent's Broken Heart I Hide My Tears When They Speak Your Name For Without You, Life Will Never Be The Same Falling Tears and Heartache Are the Things That I Must Bear But Losing You The Way I Did Will Forever Be Unfair -Author Unknown
|
|
|
||