Victims, witnesses to violent crimes, or community members with questions in Lincoln County may call 1-800-372-7202, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 12:30 pm or they may reach Maxine Lantz, Program Director/Advocate anytime at 775-296-1633.
Victim/Witness Services (VWS) is a system advocacy program for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office. We actually serve three counties (Lincoln, Eureka and White Pine) and two Shoshone Indian Reservations (Duckwater and Ely).
Our advocates provide a number of services to help people who have become victims or witnesses to violent crimes. We provide Criminal Justice system information; case monitoring; accompaniment to court/law enforcement/prosecutor; assistance in filing for victim compensation programs – both county and state; liaison with prosecutors and/or law enforcement; supply 911 emergency cell phones for those that have no phone access; locate resources; assist with emergency shelter; provide information on topics of crime, criminal justice system and other related systems, such as Division of Child and Family Services and Child Protective Services.
There is no charge for any assistance by VWS advocates. There is no age, gender or ethnic requirement.
Because we are system-based, government related, we become involved when law enforcement, prosecutors and/or Child Protective Services is accessed by a victim or victim’s loved ones. We receive calls from deputies, prosecutors, medical, CPS and direct calls from victims, witnesses and community members.
Donate time, money, office supplies, educate people about our services.
Our mission is to provide assistance and accompaniment for victims and/or witnesses of violent crime throughout the criminal justice system process.
Trained advocates are ready to talk to victims or witnesses on the phone or meet in any safe and confidential place. We provide referral to resources as well.
To become an advocate you must:
The Victim/Witness Services program of the District Attorney is designed to provide assistance and accompaniment for victims and/or witnesses throughout the criminal justice system.
The program is grant funded. Grants have been awarded by the Division of Child and Family Services Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), and the State of Nevada Attorney General’s Office Violence Against Women Act (STOP VAWA). These awards are fiscally managed by the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. Community support is obtained by in-kind donations of supplies, services and volunteer hours.
The Advocates will help you file for compensation programs (if eligible), attend court and interviews (upon request), locate resources and referrals throughout the justice system.
The criminal justice system is made up of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, courts, jails, prisons, probation and parole officers, parole board and advocates. Each assigned their own specific tasks.
Victim/Witness Services advocates are persons available to help victims and/or witnesses understand and access the criminal justice system. Advocates help clarify procedures, inform about assistance programs and resources. Advocates are informed, non-authority “friends” for victims, survivors and witnesses of crime, ensuring their rights are known.
The 1983 Nevada General Assembly mandated certain rights and guarantees to the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights. Chapter 178 of the Nevada Revised Statutes recognizes the following rights for crime victims and witnesses: