The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) provides assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
While providing case status updates, resources, and support during the investigative stage of the criminal justice process, our Victim Witness Specialists ensure victims of federal crimes are given the opportunity to receive services and notification as required by federal law and the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance.
- Who is a crime victim?
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You are a victim if you have "suffered direct and proximate harm as a result of the commission of a federal offense or an offense in the District of Columbia," as defined by the Crime Victims' Rights Act.
- Your rights as a victim
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During the investigative stage, crime victims have several rights – among which is to be treated with fairness, dignity, respect, and privacy. Additional rights during this stage include:
- To be notified they have been the victim of a federal crime;
- To be informed of the place to receive emergency medical and social services;
- To be informed of public and private programs that provide counseling, treatment, and other support services;
- To receive reasonable protection from a suspected offender and persons acting in concert with or at the behest of the suspected offender;
- To know the status of the investigation of the crime, to the extent it is appropriate, and it will not interfere with the investigation;
- To have any property being held for evidentiary purposes be maintained in good condition and returned to the victim as soon as it is no longer needed for evidentiary purposes.
- Victims' rights after charges are filed
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If an offender is charged with a crime, victims have certain additional rights (under 18 United States Code § 3771), such as the right to notification of public events in the case, including the trial or entry of a guilty plea. The prosecuting U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) will contact and notify regarding the date of those proceedings. Each USAO has a Victim/Witness Coordinator to help answer questions and deal with concerns during the prosecution of a case, but a USMS Victim Witness Specialist may also continue to be involved in the case to assist.
- What if my rights are violated?
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The Department of Justice has established the Office of the Victims' Rights Ombuds to promote compliance with Crime Victims' Rights Obligations, 28 CFR § 45.10. If you feel you have been denied a right or service to which you are entitled by the U.S. Marshals Service, you may lodge a formal complaint with the:
Office of the Victims' Rights Ombuds
Department of Justice, EOUSA, RFK Main Justice Building
950 Pennsylvania, Ave., N.W., Room 2261
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001 - Who is a witness?
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The Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance defines a witness as “a person who has information or evidence concerning a crime, and provides information regarding his/her knowledge to a law enforcement agency."
- As a witness, you are entitled to:
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Witnesses do not have the same rights as victims. USMS Victim Witness Specialists will assist identified witnesses, within the limits of available resources, while a USMS investigation remains open.
- To be treated with dignity and respect.
- To receive reasonable protection from a suspected offender and persons acting in concert with or at the behest of the suspected offender.
- Contact information
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Email: USMS.VWAP@usdoj.gov