Allen Parish District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program

INTRODUCTION

To ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity, and that their rights are extended to them under the "Victims' Rights Act" established by the Louisiana legislature, the Allen Parish District Attorney's Office has established a Victims' Advocacy Program . This program is designed to assist victims and families by informing them about the case, keeping them notified about its progress and helping to resolve any questions or problems they may have as a result of the crime.

Participation in the Victims' Advocacy Program is optional, not mandatory. The victims and their families may reserve the right to submit a "Victim Impact Statement" to the court. An impact statement may be made orally, or in writing, by the victim, the victim's family and the prosecutor. If you have knowledge of facts concerning the commission of the crime, please be aware that as a victim, you are still obligated to testify as a witness in all court proceedings.

On behalf of the Allen Parish District Attorney's Office and the entire criminal justice system, let me take this opportunity to thank you in advance for all your assistance, cooperation and patience.

Doug Hebert, Jr.
District Attorney

A crime has been committed. Now what?

• Someone has been arrested for the crime. 
• Law enforcement and other reports will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office. 
• The defendant's file will be reviewed by an Assistant District Attorney. Charges against the defendant may be accepted for prosecution, adjusted, or rejected, depending on the evidence and other factors.
• If the defendant's charges are accepted or adjusted, the Assistant District Attorney will begin court proceedings.

 Is there someone who can answer my questions?

• The District Attorney has a special program for victims of crime whose cases are pending in district court.
• The Victim Assistance Program is available to provide victims with information and assistance.
• The Victim Assistance Program works only with crime victims and witnesses.
• You can speak with a Victim Assistance Program Director by calling 639-2641 between the weekday hours of 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

The Victim Assistance Program can give you information about:

• the criminal justice process
• court dates
• available community resources

We can also:

•  help you gather information needed to prosecute the case
• help you prepare to testify in court
• offer a safe, comfortable waiting area away from the defendant when you come to court and accompany you to court hearings
• accompany you to meetings with the Assistant District Attorney
• provide you with a notification information form for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

These are just a few of the things we can do to help you through the criminal justice process.

 WHAT IF...

 I want to drop charges?

 It is the policy of the Allen Parish District Attorney's Office not to accept an affidavit from a crime victim wishing to drop charges against a defendant without prior approval from the prosecutor.

Crime victims wishing to discuss the possible reductions or dismissal of charges in a pending case must schedule an appointment with the Director of the Victim Assistance Program.

The defendant's attorney wants to talk to me?

The defense attorney may ask to speak with you. You can decide whether you will agree or refuse to speak with the defense attorney. You can also request that the prosecutor be present if you decide to speak with the defense attorney.

Someone threatens or harasses me?

 Contact the proper law enforcement authorities and the Director of the Victim Assistance Program immediately.

Write a diary of the events that have happened, including names of witnesses, and the date, time, and location of each incident.

Others Who Can Help?

• District Attorney's Office Child Support Division (318) 639-2641
• Crime Victims Reparations Allen Parish Sheriff's Office (318)639-4353 
• Calcasieu Women's Shelter (Serving Allen Parish) 1-800-223-8066
• Allen Parish Substance Abuse Clinic (318)335-3578
• Allen Parish Sheriff's Office Dial 911 (Emergency)

Doug Hebert, Jr.
Allen Parish District Attorney
P.O. Box 839 Oberlin, LA 70655
Telephone (337) 639-2641