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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Crime Victims Compensation Program
D.C. Superior Court
515 5th St., N.W., #203
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-4216 FAX: (202) 879-4230
Created in 1982, the program was placed under the auspices of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in 1996. A five-person Appeals Board, appointed by the chief judge of the court, considers contested cases. The chief judge may review Appeals Board decisions.
Director: Laura Banks Reed
FUNDING
The program receives $50-$250 for each misdemeanor, including $100 for drunk driving, reckless driving, or fleeing the scene of an accident; and $100-$5,000 for each felony. The program may obtain funding from the general revenues of the court. The program receives an annual VOCA grant.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Reporting period: 7 days
Filing period: 1 year from crime, or within 1 year of learning of the program with adequate showing that the delay was reasonable Exceptions: Victims of sexual assault may satisfy reporting requirement by obtaining a sexual assault examination; victims of domestic violence may satisfy requirement by obtaining civil protection order
PROCEDURES
Applications are reviewed by claims examiners, who make recommendations for approval or denial to the program director. The victim is notified of the decision and informed of appeal rights.
Appeals: If there is new or previously unavailable information, the claimant may request reconsideration within 30 days of the determination. If the applicant disagrees with the decision, an appeal must be filed within 30 days. Appeals are considered by the appeals board on the record. A hearing may be recommended by the appeals board. A further appeal for judicial review may be made to the chief judge of the Superior Court.
BENEFITS
Maximum award: $25,000
Compensable costs (with limits)
Medical expenses
Mental health counseling
Lost wages/support
Funerals: $3,000
Crime-scene cleanup/evidence: $1,000 for crime-scene cleanup; $100 for replacement value of victim's clothing held as evidence
Attorney fees: for appeals proceedings only, not to exceed $500 or 10% of award, whichever is less
Temporary emergency housing for victims of domestic violence: up to 90 days
Emergency: $1,000
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