The Victim-Witness program of the Newton Municipal Court is designed to answer questions and provide assistance to victims and witnesses when dealing with the justice system. It is the right of a victim to be notified when charges are filed and to be notified of all public court hearings.

In addition, when charges are filed by the City Prosecutor, a victim should receive a Victim Impact Statement. It is important when a victim receives one that they fill it out and return it promptly to the Victim-Witness Coordinator. The Victim Impact Statement ensures that the court is informed of restitution requests and how the crime has affected the victim. The Kansas Attorney General has set up a Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund, which can help victims of crime pay for medical bills, counseling expenses and in some cases compensation for lost wages when they are not able to afford such help. The Victim-Witness Coordinator can provide information on how to apply for this fund.

Victims should notify the Victim-Witness Coordinator as soon as possible if their contact information changes. This allows the victim to stay informed and helps the Victim-Witness Coordinator to resolve questions that might arise regarding a case.