State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - Alabama

Created in 1984, the commission operates as an independent executive branch agency, with a three- member board appointed by the governor. At least one member of the board must be a law enforcement officer with 10 years' experience, and one member must be a victim or the surviving family member of a victim. The commission has a statutory mandate to advocate on behalf of crime victims for improved rights and services.
Acting Executive Director: Doris S. Dease
Commissioners: Miriam Shebane (chair), Capt. Benny Peoples, Barbara Brown

FUNDING
The program derives money from court costs and offender fees. Costs received are $2 per moving traffic ticket, $10 per misdemeanor, and $15 per felony. Judges also must assess a special victim assessment fee ranging in the judge's discretion from $25 - $1,000 per misdemeanor, and $50 - $10,000 per felony, with half of the minimum fee going to the Office of Prosecution Services, and the remaining amount to the corn- mission. The program also receives an annual VOCA grant.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Reporting period: 72 hours
Filing limit: 1 year
Exceptions: Requirements may be waived for good cause

PROCEDURES
Applications are reviewed and analyzed by administrative staff. The commission meets monthly to determine claims in excess of $2,000. The director rules on claims of less than $2,000 and supplemental expenses less than $1,000. Supplemental payments are allowed for 2 years from original approval (this time limit may be waived for good cause).
Appeals: Appeals must be in writing within 30 days. Commission rehears case with an impartial hearing officer present. Staff may present the case on behalf of the victim prior to a formal appeal hearing.

BENEFITS
Maximum award: $15,000

Compensable Costs (with limits)


Medical expenses
Mental health counseling: limit of no more than 50 treatment sessions during 2-year period, with maximum of $6,250 for outpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment considered as any other medical condition. Maximum hourly rates: M.D.: $125; Ph.D.: $100; licensed counselors and social workers: $80
Lost wages/support: $400 per week for no more than 26 weeks. Also may be paid for time lost in attending funeral or in attending trial if not a witness. Future economic loss of up to $5,000 may be considered in cases of permanent disability or death, or when of- fender is supporting victim.
Funerals: $5,000
Moving expenses: $1,000 in cases of imminent danger to the victim (not simply to eliminate psychological trauma or move from bad neighborhood); used for security deposits, utility deposits, cost of move
Replacement services: $900 ($75 per week for 12 weeks for child care)
Crime-scene cleanup/evidence: $1,000 for property taken as evidence or soiled or damaged in crime
Travel: mileage @25 cents per mile, food and lodging up to $75 per day for trips out of town for court or medical services and counseling (immediate family only)
Emergency: $1,000
Alabama