NCJ Number
157217
Date Published
1995
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper provides an overview of California's Victims of Crime Program and its revenue-enhancement measures.
Abstract
The California Victims of Crime (VOC) Program was established in 1965 to provide reimbursement to victims for certain out-of-pocket losses sustained as a result of the commission of a crime. The program is administered by the State Board of Control. Victims must qualify for the program by reporting the crime to police, cooperating in the investigation and prosecution of any known suspects, and not having participated in the crime or events leading to the crime. The program is funded by the State Restitution Fund, which receives income primarily from penalty assessments added to fines, penalties, and forfeitures imposed by judges upon persons convicted of crimes in California. Additionally, income is derived from restitution fines imposed on all offenders convicted of a crime and from restitution ordered payable to victims who have already received compensation from the program. In the latter instance, the program has a statutory lien on any recoveries from the perpetrator of the crime. The program also receives Federal dollars from the Federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984. This paper details the various revenue-enhancement measures used by the program.