Program Directory

Texas

Crime Victims Compensation Program, Victim Services Division, Office of the Attorney General

P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711-2548
(512) 936-1200
FAX: (512) 320-8270
1-800-983-9933

Web site: www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/cvc.shtml
Application: www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/cvcapplication.pdf

Victim Services Division Chief: Herman Millholland

Compensation Program Director: Gene McCleskey

The Crime Victims Compensation Program has responsibility for determining compensation claims. The program was established in 1979.

FUNDING
The program receives $45 for each felony conviction, $35 for each Class A and B misdemeanor, and $15 for class C misdemeanors, excluding pedestrian violations. The program receives an annual VOCA grant.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Law enforcement reporting period: reasonable time period
Filing period: 3 years
Exceptions: Reporting and filing periods do not apply to child victims; good cause waiver may apply to other cases

PROCEDURES
Program staff make deteriminations on eligibility and payment.

Appeals: Victim may request in writing a reconsideration, which is an informal step intended to give the victim another opportunity to provide relevant information. If the victim remains dissatisfied with the decision, the victim may request a final-ruling hearing, which is more formal, and which will be conducted via phone, video teleconference, or in person. An appeal may be filed in district court.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $50,000, with additional $75,000 for permanent injuries (additional amount is $50,000 for crimes occurring before Sept 1, 2001)

Compensable Costs (with limits)

Medical expenses: fee schedule places limits on individual procedures
Mental health counseling: $3,000; $400 per day, 30-day limit on inpatient psychiatric care
Lost wages/support: $500 per week
Funerals: $4,500 for funeral
Moving/relocation: for domestic-violence victims, one-time costs of up to $2,000 for relocation and $1,800 for rent; also for sexual assault victims assaulted in residence
Replacement services: child/dependent care @ $100 per child/dependent per week
Crime-scene cleanup/evidence: $750, including replacement of clothing; bedding seized as evidence; property rendered unusable by crime investigation/lab testing
Travel: to obtain treatment, help in investigation and attend criminal proceedings
Moving Expenses: Relocation costs for sexual assault victims who are
assaulted in their residence
Physical rehabilitation
Attorney fees: paid in addition to award according to time spent, if reasonable and necessary; fees are limited to 25% of amount the attorney assisted victim in obtaining, or $300 if no appeal
Emergency: up to $1,500 for lost support and lost earnings, emergency medical and funeral charges




	Program Directory Texas Crime Victims Compensation Program, Victim Services Division, Office of the Attorney General P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station Austin, TX 78711-2548 (512) 936-1200 FAX: (512) 320-8270 1-800-983-9933 Web site: www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/cvc.shtml Application: www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/cvcapplication.pdf Victim Services Division Chief: Herman Millholland Compensation Program Director: Gene McCleskey The Crime Victims Compensation Program has responsibility for determining compensation claims. The program was established in 1979. FUNDING The program receives $45 for each felony conviction, $35 for each Class A and B misdemeanor, and $15 for class C misdemeanors, excluding pedestrian violations. The program receives an annual VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Law enforcement reporting period: reasonable time period Filing period: 3 years Exceptions: Reporting and filing periods do not apply to child victims; good cause waiver may apply to other cases PROCEDURES Program staff make deteriminations on eligibility and payment. Appeals: Victim may request in writing a reconsideration, which is an informal step intended to give the victim another opportunity to provide relevant information. If the victim remains dissatisfied with the decision, the victim may request a final-ruling hearing, which is more formal, and which will be conducted via phone, video teleconference, or in person. An appeal may be filed in district court. BENEFITS Maximum award: $50,000, with additional $75,000 for permanent injuries (additional amount is $50,000 for crimes occurring before Sept 1, 2001) Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses: fee schedule places limits on individual procedures Mental health counseling: $3,000; $400 per day, 30-day limit on inpatient psychiatric care Lost wages/support: $500 per week Funerals: $4,500 for funeral Moving/relocation: for domestic-violence victims, one-time costs of up to $2,000 for relocation and $1,800 for rent; also for sexual assault victims assaulted in residence Replacement services: child/dependent care @ $100 per child/dependent per week Crime-scene cleanup/evidence: $750, including replacement of clothing; bedding seized as evidence; property rendered unusable by crime investigation/lab testing Travel: to obtain treatment, help in investigation and attend criminal proceedings Moving Expenses: Relocation costs for sexual assault victims who are assaulted in their residence Physical rehabilitation Attorney fees: paid in addition to award according to time spent, if reasonable and necessary; fees are limited to 25% of amount the attorney assisted victim in obtaining, or $300 if no appeal Emergency: up to $1,500 for lost support and lost earnings, emergency medical and funeral charges