Restitution Enforcement/Victim Services Division
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Restitution Enforcement & Victim Services works to reduce the trauma, frustration and inconvenience experienced by victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime. We do this by providing a variety of services to victims of crime and their families, in addition to supporting victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process.
During 2010, these services reached more than 14,883 victims of crime in San Diego County.
Led by Division Chief Kim-Thoa Hoang and Victim Assistance Program Director Cynthia Charlebois, the work done by staff in this division allows for faster and more complete recovery from the effects of crime. Some of the services provided by the division include:
- Crisis intervention
- Resource and Referrals
- Victims of Crime Claim Submission
- Court Support
- Restitution Assistance
As experts on restitution matters, attorneys, paralegals, and the senior probation officer in the division handled and provided direct assistance to District Attorney staff and victims in 1,508 cases affecting more than $ 29,599,170 in restitution during 2010.
The Victim Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to victims of all types of crimes, pursuant to California and federal law. Mandatory and optional services are provided to crime victims even when a suspect has not been apprehended or prosecuted. This program is designed to reduce the trauma and insensitivity that victims may experience following the aftermath of a crime.
The Victim Assistance Program provides comprehensive services to victims of all types of crimes, pursuant to California and federal law. Mandatory and optional services are provided to crime victims even when a suspect has not been apprehended or prosecuted. This program is designed to reduce the trauma and insensitivity that victims may experience following the aftermath of a crime.
In 2010, Victim Advocates assisted 14,883 crime victims with 1,997 crisis interventions, provided 13,366 resource and referrals and 6,916 case status support. Victim Advocates also assisted in filing 1,288 applications with the Victim Compensation Program and provided court escort and support to 959 victims.
In 2010, the Restitution Claims Unit process 2,213 claims from victims of violent crimes and 6,960 bills from service providers. The Unit also facilitated the payment of $2,880,916 to victims from the State Victim Compensation Fund.
The Restitution Recovery Unit handled 735 cases, assisted 692 victims, obtained restitution fines totaling $955,309, and helped secure restitution orders totaling $951,098 payable to the State and $3,759,828 payable directly to victims.
Notable accomplishments in 2010 include the following:
The District Attorney played a pivotal role by providing $24,670 using the
DA Victims Emergency Relief Fund for immediate/urgent needs of crime victims
to help with food, medical, dental, housing and personal items. Additionally,
the Program held its annual holiday drive, providing holiday enjoyment for
crime victim families who may otherwise not been afforded the opportunity.
Through staff coordination, 35 families, 102 children were provided with gifts,
cash, food, toys and clothing.
Community outreach and education is an important component of the division’s mission. The program has solidified strong, positive and committed relationships with the San Diego Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, Survivors of Violent Loss and the Victim Assistance Coordinating Council (VACC). Victim advocates teach at the San Diego Police Academy and provide trainings and presentations to a host of community based organizations.
