Victim Services

The Maryland Attorney General's Office has two primary sources of assistance for crime victims:

Director of Victim Services
The State Constitutional Amendment for Crime Victims Rights and implementing laws entitle crime victims to various rights and services including the right to participate in the criminal justice process. In Maryland, the criminal appeals process requires that crime victims be informed of events related to their cases. The Director of Victim Services notifies crime victims and victims' family members of court events (appellate arguments, dispositions) related to their case or conviction on appeal. The Director coordinates this information with victim assistance offices in the State's Attorneys' Offices and Divisions of Correction and Parole and Probation. The Director is the Attorney General's representative on the State Board of Victim Services. The Director also answers inquiries from victims and other citizens about victim-related issues, laws, and the criminal justice process.
Barbara Bond, Director of Victim Services: (410) 576-6405 or (888) 743-0023 Attorney General's main switchboard (toll-free)

Criminal Investigations Division Victim Services Coordinator
The Coordinator responds to victim inquiries related to Criminal Investigations Division cases. The Coordinator sends material to victims and witnesses, advises them as to the status of the case, and generally assists in travel arrangements for interviews and the trial, in addition to any special needs that may arise. The Coordinator may refer calls to other State and federal agencies to handle specific complaints. (410) 576-6380 or (888) 743-0023 Attorney General's main switchboard (toll-free)

Other Sources of Victim Services

• On January 27, 2006, Governor Robert Ehrlich signed Executive Order 01.01.2006.01, transfering the Family Violence Council from the Attorney General's Office to the Governor's Council on Family Violence Prevention within the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. 

• The State's Attorney's office for each county in Maryland (and Baltimore City) has a victim/witness assistance coordinator who can answer your questions and help you through the court process. The coordinator can also help you if you need information about your case, assistance in applying for criminal injury compensation or referrals to community victim service programs. Locate the State's Attorney for your jurisdiction at the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association Web site, www.mdsaa.org 410-203-9881

• The "Victim Services in Maryland" web page of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services lists the Department's services, which includes the provision of information regarding the incarceration status of offenders, the whereabouts of released offenders, help in navigating the criminal justice process, and financial compensation to the victims of crime. The site also lists the services of many other public and private providers of victim assistance.

• Statewide Victim Services Directory on the Maryland
Community Services Locator (www.mdcsl.org).

• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides financial assistance for innocent victims of crime. The Board may compensate victims who suffer physical injury for their medical expenses and loss of earnings. In cases of homicide, the Board may assist with funeral expenses and loss of support on the part of the victim's dependents. 410-585-3010 or 1-888-679-9347 toll-free.

• The Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, Inc. offers advice and referral services, and a Crime Victim Legal Advocacy Program. 1-877-VICTIM-1 (1-877-842-8461)

• The State Board of Victim Services publishes several victims rights brochures, including "Crime Victims and Witnesses: Your Rights and Services." Maryland State Board of Victim Services, Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, 300 East Joppa Road, Suite 1100, Baltimore, MD 21286; Email: info@goccp-state-md.org;
410-821-2828; toll-free 1-877-687-9004.

• The State Victim Services Coordinator and State Victims' Rights Compliance Coordinator work under the auspices of the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention.