Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I file a case with the District Attorney’s Office?

A: All cases must be investigated and filed by a law enforcement agency.  Please call 911 to report any crime.

Q: Do I need an attorney to represent my interests?

A: You do not need an attorney as the victim of a crime in order to participate in the criminal justice system. The prosecutor represents the State of Texas and a crime victim is not considered a party to the criminal case. The prosecutor must enforce the rights afforded to a crime victim under the Crime Victims’ Rights statute, as set out in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Q: What is a victim assistance coordinator or victim advocate?

A: Most criminal cases will have a victim advocate assigned to assist you in navigating the criminal justice system and ensuring that your rights are upheld.

Q: How can I be notified if the accused is released from county jail?

A: You can track the custody status of an inmate housed in the Bexar County Detention Center through a system called Victim Information and Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E.) There are two ways to register with V.I.N.E. You can call (877) TX4-VINE [(877) 894-8463] or you can visit their website: www.vinelink.com 

Q: I am a victim of a crime in Bexar County, and I need to find out the status of my case at the District Attorney’s Office?

A: Call Victim Assistance at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office at (210) 335-2105. www.bexar.org/da 

Q: I am the victim of a crime with a pending case at the DA’s Office, and the perpetrator and/or their family have been threatening and harassing me?

A: Call 911 to report the threatening and harassing behavior and then contact the DA’s Office to provide the Advocate or Prosecutor with this information and law enforcement case number.  If you do not know the direct number to your Advocate or Prosecutor, please call (210) 335-2311.

Q:  I am a victim of crime and I would like referrals for local social services such as housing, counseling, support groups, etc. Who do I call?

A: Please call Victim Assistance at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office at (210) 335-2105. www.bexar.org/da 

Q: I have incurred bills for things like funeral/burial, medical, counseling, and/or lost wages due to a crime.  Can I be reimbursed for my expenses?

A: Contact Monica Guillen at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, (210) 335-2863, for assistance with Crime Victims Compensation. Crime Victims Compensation is a fund administered by the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the DA’s Office can help you apply for benefits.  www.texasattorneygeneral.gov 

Q: What is a Victim Impact Statement?

A: A victim impact statement (”VIS”) is a document that victims and their families can use to record the impact a crime has had on them. The victim impact statement will be used throughout the criminal justice system by the prosecutor, judge, probation office, and parole board, to better understand the emotional, psychological, physical, and financial impact of the crime. If you have a pending case and have not received VIS, or have lost your copy, please call Victim Assistance at (210) 335-2105.

Q: Do I qualify for a Protective Order and if so, how do I obtain one?

A: A victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or child abuse may apply for a protective order, free of charge, by visiting with an advocate at the Bexar County Family Justice Center. Their phone number is (210) 631-0100.   www.bcfjc.org 

Q: What is the right of allocution?

A: The right of allocution allows crime victims and their families to make a brief statement to the defendant in court about how the crime has impacted your life. This statement is made after the defendant has been sentenced for a crime and the defendant is not allowed to question or comment on the statement. You can talk with your assigned victim advocate for more information and see if you are eligible.

Q:  Can I have my property returned?

A: Property that was taken into evidence by law enforcement during the course of crime can often be returned to you but there are some exceptions. Please know that many times the property cannot be returned until after the case is resolved. You may contact the assigned victim advocate for more information.

Q: I have a relative or friend who has been charged with a crime and I would like to find out when they go to court?

A: Go to the Bexar County website and use the “Search Records” feature to search both County and District Court Records by the defendant’s name. https://search.bexar.org/

Q: My offender was sent to prison.  How do I find out when they are eligible for parole?

A: Contact the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Victim Services at 1-800-848-4284.  You must have the name and date-of-birth of the inmate.  

Q: What is the V.I.N.E. Program?

A: You can track the custody status of an inmate housed in the Bexar County Detention Center through a system called Victim Information and Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E.) There are two ways to register with V.I.N.E. You can call (877) TX4-VINE [(877) 894-8463] or you can visit their website: www.vinelink.com