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The information and materials provided using this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Web site or any of the e-mail links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, County Manager or other elected officials.
Download the Victim Compensation Application.
Crime Victim Compensation is a federally funded program that helps victims with medical, dental, counseling, work loss, funeral, travel, and crime scene clean-up expenses. There is an application process for victims of reported crimes in which the victim is physically or mentally harmed. To qualify there has been a report that a crime occurred. Victim compensation is a reimbursement basis program that is on-going until the victim no longer needs financial assistance or the claim reaches a limit. No charges or conviction is required. However, law enforcement must provide enough information to substantiate that a crime occurred. Once an application has been submitted to victim services, a board reviews and determines a victim’s eligibility for the program. Once approved, a victim compensation coordinator will work with victims to obtain documentation that support their loss.
If you would like to know more about the program or your organization requires training on crime victim compensation contact: pcavictimservices@pinalcountyaz.gov.
Who can receive compensation?
Crime victims or family members of deceased victims who:
- Report the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours
- Willingly cooperate with the investigation and prosecution
- Suffer a physical injury or extreme mental distress
- Have/will have expenses resulting from crime
- Were a victim in Pinal County
Who is NOT able to receive compensation?
- An applicant or victim convicted of a state or federal crime, who is delinquent in paying a court-ordered criminal fine, monetary penalty or restitution.
- An offender or accomplice to the crime
- A person serving (or escaped from serving) a prison sentence, work furlough or home arrest program
What expenses may be paid?
The total award limit is $25,000.
- Medical and dental care, up to $25,000
- Mental health counseling, up to $5,000
- These services may be rendered to both victim or family members of deceased victims, or a person who witnessed a crime or discovered a crime scene.
- Funeral expenses, up to $10,000
- Crime scene cleanup, up to $2,000. This money is only available for homicide, sexual assault, and aggravated assault cases.
- Victim’s travel expenses to court, medical or mental health appointments, up to $2,000.
- Loss of wages, up to $25,000.
These funds may cover lost wages of:
- A victim who is unable to work due to injury or mental distress
- A family member making funeral arrangements
- A victim or family member attending court proceedings or taking a minor child to medical or counseling appointments.
- Loss of support for a spouse or dependent
What is not covered?
- Stolen or damaged property
- Payment for pain and suffering
- Attorney’s fees
- Expenses paid by an insurance plan, public funds or the offender
When should you apply?
- An application can be submitted as soon as the crime is reported to law enforcement. No conviction is required, though law enforcement must provide enough information to substantiate that a crime may have occurred.
- Applications must be submitted within two years from the date of crime or date of discovery of the crime.
- An application may be submitted to establish eligibility even if expenses have not yet incurred.
Victim Compensation Programs in Other Counties:
If you believe the crime happened outside Pinal County, click here for a list of other county victim compensation programs. http://azcjc.gov/victim-services
Mailing Address
Victim Services
P.O. Box 1798
Florence, AZ 85132
Contact Information
Phone: 520-866-6805 or 800.208.6897 (ext. 6805)
Fax: 520.866.6256
Email: victimcompensation@pinal.gov
Victim Compensation Board Meetings
The victim compensation program provides financial assistance to victims of crime or others who may have experienced a financial loss as a direct result of a crime. The program covers expenses of physical harm, mental distress, and economic loss resulting directly from victimization. Eligibility to receive benefits from the program does not require the apprehension or conviction of an offender, and the compensation program is always the payer of last resort. All other sources of economic recovery must be exhausted before compensation benefits can be paid. Compensation may cover medical costs, counseling, funeral expenses, limited expenses for crime scene clean up and lost wages.
The Pinal County Attorney’s Office (PCAO) holds Crime Victim Compensation board meetings every 4-6 weeks. At these meetings, Crime Victim Compensation board members, who are volunteers from the community decide whether or not claims are eligible for Crime Victims Compensation Program and approve Crime Victim Compensation funds to be paid to victims of crime. The meetings are open to members of the public. At the end of the board meeting, members of the public have the opportunity to address the board. The meeting agenda is posted electronically on PCAO’s website and a physical copy is located in the lobby of the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and Victim Services Division at least 24 hours prior to the board meeting.
CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE ARS 41-2407
Victim Compensation Survey
The Pinal County Attorney’s Office has taken a very strong position on victims’ rights and is constantly seeking ways to improve the services we provide to crime victims. All victims of crime should be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. The compensation survey is geared toward your experience with our Crime Victim Compensation Program. These responses are utilized to improve Crime Victim Compensation processes, the services we provide, and to recognize those employees who perform above and beyond expectations. We also use this information for grant reporting purposes and responses can determine whether we will receive future funding. If you have any additional comments regarding the Crime Victim Compensation Program, please provide those in the Comments section at the bottom of the survey.
IN HER SHOES
In Her Shoes is a revolutionary community education tool, designed for learning about domestic violence. Based on experiences of real survivors, participants make choices through a simulation of characters in abusive relationships. This workshop will increase awareness of the additional day-to-day struggles women face when seeking out help, deepen compassion and compel participants to take action.
To request an In Her Shoes training contact PCA Victim Services.