After a tragedy, folks often gather to help out those who have suffered, any way  they can.  At one time, we probably would bake casseroles for each other and plan a church service.  Today, one of the things that I've noticed happening is that folks set up a Go Fund Me account to help cover medical or funeral expenses. 

These accounts often raise funds for the victims and may be helpful.  However,  I am concerned that sometimes they may not be as effective as other ways to help the victim or their families.  In fact, in some situations, the accounts may cause further harm to the family.

Today’s blog post is another in the series recognizing April as National Crime Victim’s Rights Month. In today’s post I will address five things that every victim should know:

• Medical bills can be paid by the crime victim’s fund in most states.

• The prosecutor is not the victim’s lawyer.

• Most cases do not go to trial.

• Restorative Justice may provide you with more options than the conventional judicial system.

• When an offender is incarcerated you should sign up for a notification if he or she is released.

Between mediations, court appearances and the Virginia Mediation Mini-Conferences, I missed writing my monthly post on how to get a divorce without a lawyer.   I’m back and this week is National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. All of my posts during April will focus on crime victims. Today, I’m addressing whether or not you can get a divorce without a lawyer when you, or your child, are a victim of crime and the offender is the other parent, or a stepparent.  

This weekend I will be joining lawyers from all over the United States in Harrisonburg, Virginia to participate in a symposium, “Restorative Justice’s Role in the Expanding Concepts and Structures of the Practice of Law in the United States.” Sponsored by the Campbell University College of Law and the Zehr Institute for Restorative Justice, we will be addressing topics such as “A Trauma-Informed Legal Practice” and “How Restorative Practices are Affecting Systemic Change.”  Of course, I am most excited to hear what Professor Zehr will bring to the symposium during Friday night's  session, “Restorative Justice: Continuing the Conversation.”    

Yesterday, The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that could make it much more difficult for many victims to recover medical expenses or other damages after an accident or a crime.  West Virginia H.B. 2002 abolishes “joint liability.”  Reading the bill may be pretty confusing, full of legal terms such as “comparative fault” and “joint liability.”  In this post, I’ll try to explain what it means and how this change in the law could impact you.  If you have been injured in an accident or if you are a victim of crime, this may make it more difficult for you to fully recover.

Victims are often overwhelmed following a crime.  Victims may be faced with a lot of questions and not many answers.  How will my bills get paid?  Do I have to attend the court hearing?  Who will represent me?  What if I don't want the case to be prosecuted?  Our office accepts cases in West Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland and can help victims find some of these answers.  Brenda has worked as a prosecutor, defense counsel and holds a master's degree with an emphasis in Restorative Justice.