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Victim/Witness Assistance Program

Victim Witness Assistance Program Contact State’s Attorney Office
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(701) 577-4508
Contact us
Physical Address (and FedEx/UPS)
Williams County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
205 E Broadway
Williston, ND 58801

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2047
Williston, ND 58802-2047
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm

About

The Williams County Victim/Witness Program helps victims of crime rebuild their lives and overcome the physical and emotional consequences of a crime. The goal of this program is to improve the treatment of victims and witnesses of crime by providing them with the services necessary to assist their recovery from a criminal act and to support them as they move through the criminal justice system.

Anyone that is a victim of a crime that is being prosecuted by the State's Attorney's Office has a right to victim services.

The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.

Services Provided

  • General information about the criminal justice system
  • Notification of court hearings
  • Information related to the availability of crime victims compensation, witness fees, and restitution
  • Orientation to the courtroom
  • Transportation and accompaniment to court, if necessary
  • Information on available protective services
  • Referrals to public and/or private helping agencies
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Victim Rights

  • To be informed as to the status of the investigation
  • To be informed as to criminal charges filed
  • To be informed of the defendant's pretrial status
  • To be provided a safe waiting area during trial
  • To receive notice as to victims' and witnesses' participation in court proceedings
  • To submit a Victim Impact Statement
  • To receive information about available services
  • Employer intercession
  • To be informed of the procedures for receiving any witness fees to which they are entitled by law
  • To have property returned that was taken as evidence
  • To be present throughout trial
  • To be informed of rights to a prompt disposition of the case
  • To receive notice as to scheduling and cancellations of hearings
  • To be consulted on any potential plea agreement
  • To be advised of any verdict
  • To receive prompt notice of defendant's release from custody

Resources

The ALL ND Victims Help Tool provides legal information and resources that can be helpful to a victim of a crime.

ND SAVIN, North Dakota's Victim Notification Service, is a free, secure, and confidential way to access custody status and information about criminal cases.

North Dakota offers compensation to crime victims who suffer physical or emotional injury.

The "Green Sheet" is produced by Dakota Family Solutions and provides information about housing, crisis services, medical facilities, and more.

Helpful Terminology

Bond Hearing

This is the first time the defendant appears in front of the Judge. The Judge will set a bail amount and full conditions of bond, typically including a no contact with a victim.

Change of Plea/Sentencing Hearing

In felony cases, this hearing is scheduled when the defendant decides to change his/her plea to guilty. At this hearing, a victim has the right to submit a Victim Impact Statement. These statements are important for the Judge to recognize all of the ways the crime has affected the victim.

Conferences

Are not open to the public.

Initial Appearance

This hearing occurs in misdemeanor cases only. At this hearing, the defendant will plead guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the court will schedule a Pretrial Conference. If a guilty plea is entered, the Judge will immediately sentence the defendant .

Plea Agreement

Accepting a plea agreement means to settle a case without a trial.

Preliminary Hearing

This hearing occurs in felony cases only. Testimony is heard by the Judge. The prosecuting attorney must establish probable cause that a crime has been committed by the defendant.

Trial

Victims and witnesses may be required to testify at a trial. A trial may either be a Jury Trial or a Bench Trial, which is heard by a judge, not a jury.

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