In 1986, the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office formally established the Victim Witness Program to address the needs of people directly affected by crime in Collin County. The program educates crime victims about the criminal justice process and provides information about the social service agencies that can best handle their particular needs.

Services are available to victims of sexual assault, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, or cases involving serious bodily injury and to relatives of deceased victims. The program is also available to victims in applicable misdemeanor cases.

Upon indictment of a felony case, or acceptance of an applicable misdemeanor case by the District Attorney’s Office, the Victim/Witness Assistance Division sends a contact letter to the crime victim. The letter contains informational brochures, victim impact statements for the victim to complete, and applications for Crime Victims’ Compensation.

Victims are encouraged to keep in contact with the coordinator assigned to their case. The coordinators can provide the victims with docket dates, jail status, case disposition, information about available social services and agencies, and assistance in completing the Crime Victims’ Compensation application and the Victim Impact Statement, and help to understand courtroom procedure and policies. They also provide courtroom accompaniment as needed during court proceedings. Other agencies, such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the Rape Crisis Center (now called The Turning Point) may provide court accompaniment as well. The Victim/Witness Assistance Division provides a comfortable waiting area, away from the courts and media, where victims and/or their families can relax and feel secure during trials.

The Victim/Witness Assistance Division provides an established place where victims can turn in their search for justice and understanding. By devoting significant resources to crime victims, the District Attorney’s Office seeks to make their journey through the criminal justice system as comforting as possible, representing their interests and helping to protect their rights.

Collin County is a participant in the TEXAS VINE program. TEXAS VINE provides a crime victim with easy-to-obtain basic information on jailed suspects/offenders and their scheduled court events and notifies registered users of changes in jail status and court events. This is a free service for crime victims and other concerned citizens. TEXAS VINE is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish.

Make TEXAS VINE part of your safety plan. The offender will not know that you are registered with TEXAS VINE. However, you should not depend on TEXAS VINE or any program for your protection. If you feel threatened by the offender, take precautions as if the inmate were already released. If you receive any threats, please call the arresting agency.

For more information about the VINE program, please call 1-877-894-8463. For problems with VINE, call 1-877-894-8463, press 0. You can also visit the website at www.vinelinke.com. Click here for still more information.