• be treated with fairness, respect and dignity;
     • be free from intimidation or harm throughout the criminal and juvenile justice process;
     • be informed about victims' rights;
     • be reasonably informed about criminal proceedings;
     • be informed if the accused is arrested, released, or escapes;
     • confer with the prosecution before the case is heard in court;
     • be present at criminal proceedings where the accused has the right to be present;
     • be heard at proceedings affecting bond, bail, release, pleas or sentencing;
     • have reasonable access to documents relating to the crime before trial;
     • receive restitution from the adult or juvenile offenders; and
     • a reasonable, prompt and final conclusion of the case.

Elgin Police Departments Victim Assistant is Kathy M. Brown who began her career in 1999 as a volunteer. Kathy attended the U.S.C.  Victim Assistant Institute basic training in May 2001 on her own time and has received a minimum of 15 credit hours every year since by attending seminars and annual victim training.