State Agency Crime Victim Compensation Program - New Jersey

Created in 1971 as an independent executive branch agency, the board consists of five full-time members appointed for five-year terms by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Not more than three members of the board may be from the same party, and three board members must be lawyers. Board members: James O'Brien (chairman); William Hunt, Esq.; Lorraine Pullen, Esq.; Matthew Scannapieco; Jacob Toporek, Esq. FUNDING The program receives $50 per misdemeanor and juvenile offense; $100 minimum for theft of auto and eluding a police officer; and $100 - $10,000 per felony where injury or death results. The program also receives $50 for DWI convictions and $50 for cases resolved by pretrial intervention. A 10% surcharge on all prison-canteen purchases is earmarked for the program. The program receives an annual appropriation for administrative expenses. The program also receives a VOCA grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Reporting period: 90 days Filing period: 2 years Exceptions: Good cause waiver; child victims may have up to two years after age of 18. PROCEDURES Centralized claims processing unit performs all initial work on the application. Claims investigators verify eligibility and expenses. Three commissioners must approve eligibility. Commissioner assigned to county of incident approves compensation amount. Investigator notifies victim of amount approved; if the applicant does not respond within 20 days a follow-up 10-day letter is sent. The order to pay must be approved by three commissioners. Appeals: The applicant may request a hearing, which is heard by three commissioners. The applicant may take a further appeal to the superior court appellate division within 45 days. BENEFITS Maximum award: $25,000; $50,000 for victims with catastrophic injuries Compensable Costs (with limits) Medical expenses Mental health counseling: 100 sessions or $10,000, whichever is greater Lost wages/support: currently $500 per week; loss of offender's support can be paid to dependent victims Funerals: $3,500 Moving expenses: $1,000 Replacement services: domestic services (including housekeeping, child care, day care, and pre-/after-school care) up to $50 per day, maximum $6,500 in aggregate Stolen cash: up to $200 for disabled and senior citizens below poverty level Travel: 20 cents per mile, up to $10 per day Rehabilitation Attorney fees: up to 15% of award or $75 per hour, whichever is less Emergency: $500 per check, maximum $1,500 New Jersey