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Victim Services

Victim Advocate

A Victim Advocate is available through the Prosecutor’s office to assist victims of misdemeanor crimes that occur within Bullhead City town limits. The advocate is available to explain the judicial process; act as a link between the court system and the victim; speak for the victim in court; give current case status information; assist in obtaining restraining orders; make referrals for counseling, food, shelter, provide resources; and personally escort victims during all court appearances, if desired. Please contact the Bullhead City Crime Victim Services Office if you believe you are the victim of a crime that occurred within the Town and want more information about these services. If you need to report a crime, please contact the Bullhead City Police Department at 928-763-1999.  

A Victim Advocate cannot: 

  • Give you legal advice
  • Tell you how to testify
  • Tell you what to write in a Victim Impact Statement
  • Tell you what to ask for regarding Restitution
  • Tell you what you should recommend for sentencing
  • Give an opinion as to Give you legal advice
  • Tell you how to testify
  • Tell you what to write in a Victim Impact Give you legal advice
  • Tell you how to testify
  • Tell you what to write in a Victim Impact Statement 

Bullhead City Prosecutor’s Office 
Crime Victim Services Unit 
1255 Marina Blvd. 
Bullhead City, AZ 86442 
Phone: 928-763-0163 
Fax: 928-763-0156 
Email: vservices@bullheadcityaz.gov

Legal Rights

In Arizona, crime victims are guaranteed specific rights under the Arizona Constitution and state law. These rights help ensure victims are treated with respect and have a voice throughout the criminal justice process. 

Your Rights as a Victim 

As a victim of crime in Arizona, you have the right to: 

  • Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, and be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the criminal justice process. 

  • Be informed—upon request—when the accused or convicted person is released from custody or escapes. 

  • Be present at all criminal proceedings when the defendant has the right to be present, and to be informed of those proceedings upon request. 

  • Be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest release decision, negotiated plea, or sentencing. 

  • Refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request by the defendant, the defendant’s attorney, or anyone acting on their behalf. 

  • Confer with the prosecutor after charges are filed, before trial, or before any case resolution, and be informed of the outcome. 

  • Receive prompt restitution from the person(s) convicted of the crime that caused your loss or injury. 

  • Be heard at any proceeding considering post-conviction release from confinement. 

  • A speedy trial and resolution of the case, including a prompt and final conclusion after conviction and sentencing. 

  • Be informed of your constitutional rights as a victim. 

To view the full text of Arizona’s Victims’ Rights laws, visit the Arizona State Legislature – Victims’ Rights Laws: 

Domestic Violence

If you are in danger, exit this site immediately and use a safe computer, such as one at a local library. 

 

Domestic violence is a crime—not a “family problem.” You have the right to be safe. No one has the right to hit, threaten, or abuse you. Children are also harmed by witnessing domestic violence. 

In Arizona, domestic violence charges are brought by the State. You are the victim, not the person bringing the charges. 

How Arizona Law Defines Domestic Violence 

Domestic violence includes certain criminal acts committed between: 

  • People who live together now or have lived together in the past 

  • People who have a child in common or are expecting a child (regardless of living arrangements) 

  • People related in any of the following ways: 

  • Spouse or former spouse 

  • Child 

  • Parent or step-parent 

  • Brother or sister 

  • Grandchild 

  • Grandparent or step-grandparent 

  • Court-ordered relationships (such as adoption, guardianship, or foster care) 

 

Domestic violence is often about control. This control can include: 

  • Forced sex (even within marriage) 

  • Restrictions on your movements 

  • Threats to you or others 

Alcohol, drugs, or stress do not cause domestic violence—they may escalate it, but the underlying cause is the abuser’s need to control. 

 

Why It Often Gets Worse 

An abuser may apologize or promise to change. They may even be sincere, but without court involvement and counseling, research shows the violence often becomes more frequent and more severe. 

Resources 

  • Orders for Protection or Injunction against Harassment: AZPoint 

 

 

Victim Compensation and Restitution

Victim Compensation and Restitution 

Victim Advocates are here to help you understand the resources available after a crime. We can explain how victim compensation and restitution work and guide you through the process. 

How We Can Help 

  • Answer your questions about victim compensation 

  • Explain restitution and what it may cover 

  • Provide step-by-step guidance on applications or requests 

  • Connect you with additional support services 

Meet with an Advocate 

You can speak with a Victim Advocate in person or by phone. We are here to make sure you understand your rights and options. 

📞 Call us at 928-763-0163 
📧 Email us at vservices@bullheadcityaz.gov 

Under Arizona law, U.S. residents who are victims of crime may be eligible for Crime Victim Compensation to cover certain out-of-pocket expenses. Applications are reviewed by the County Crime Victim Compensation Board. 

Who Can Apply 

You may qualify for compensation if: 

  • The crime was reported to law enforcement within 72 hours

  • You filed a claim within 1 year of discovering the crime. 

  • You are cooperating with law enforcement agencies. 

  • The crime caused physical injury, extreme mental distress, or death. 

  • You had a financial loss directly caused by the crime. 

  • You are not serving a prison sentence, or on felony probation or parole. 

 

Learn more about the County Victim Compensation Programs on the links below: 

Restitution for Crime Victims 

If the defendant in your case is charged and convicted, you may be eligible for court-ordered restitution to cover certain costs you incurred as a victim. 

Note: Restitution does not cover pain and suffering or punitive damages. Those must be recovered through a separate civil court action. 

 

Requesting Restitution 

  • You must submit a written restitution request before the defendant is sentenced. 

  • Your request should include: 

  • A clear description of your financial losses 

  • Copies of receipts and/or bills (do not send originals) 

  • Financial losses may include: 

  • Medical or Veterinary costs 

  • Damage to property (Criminal Damage) 

  • Lost wages 

  • Travel expenses to attend court proceedings 

 Important Details 

  • The court can order restitution for losses caused by the defendant’s conduct even if some conduct was not charged, as long as it is connected to the conviction. 

  • If you do not request restitution during the criminal case, you may still file a civil lawsuit to recover your losses. 


 

Need Help? 

The Bullhead City Crime Victim Services Unit can help you complete the application. 
📞 Call us at 928-763-9400 ext. 8319. 

Support Victim Services

Support the Bullhead City Crime Victim Services Unit 

Volunteers – The Heart of Our Program 

We rely on volunteers to deliver many of our services. Volunteer recruitment is ongoing, and we have an urgent need for more volunteers. 

How You Can Help 

  • Donate: Contributions from individuals and organizations directly support victims by helping us provide vital services to Crime Victims in our community. 

  • Volunteer: Apply through the City’s Human Resources Department or download an application online. 

📞 Contact: Donza Erickson, Crime Victim Services Coordinator 
Phone: 928-763-9400 ext. 8319 

 

Forms and Resources

Forms and Resources

You can access commonly used forms and resources below. Additional materials are available upon request.

resources

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