The Victim-Witness Unit of the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office was established in April of 1989 when Prosecutor Tony Tague recognized a serious need for crime victim services in Muskegon County. Evolving through the years from a small group of volunteers to a staff of three full-time Victim Advocates, one clerk and as many as six volunteers, the Victim-Witness Unit provides a number of diverse services to the victims of crime.

Victim Advocates strive to intervene and assist citizens from the point of their victimization through the conviction and sentencing of the offender. At the point of initial contact, the needs of a victim are immediately assessed. The Victim Advocate then determines whether emotional guidance, support or medical services are needed. Services provided by the Victim-Witness Unit may include any or all of the following: in-person crisis intervention, follow-up contact, case status updates, criminal justice support and advocacy, courtroom orientation, assistance in obtaining restitution or return of personal property, assistance with preparing oral and written impact statements, personal protection orders and completion of Crime Victim Compensation forms for payment of medical bills, funeral costs and lost wages.

In addition to volunteers and interns, the Victim-Witness Unit of the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office is staffed by a full time supervisor and Victim Advocate, a full time Domestic Violence Specialist, a full time Juvenile Court Advocate, and a part-time Vulnerable Victim Specialist. Should you find you are in need of their assistance, please contact them at the telephone numbers or email address listed below.

We are proud of the accomplishments of the Victim-Witness Unit. Since the formation of the Unit in 1989, our Victim Advocates have assisted thousands of crime victims and their families and insured the protection of their rights.

Helpful Information:

• Your legal rights as a victim during prosecution
• Your legal rights after sentencing
• Processing a misdemeanor case: a brief guide for the citizen
• Processing a felony case: a brief guide for the citizen
• Processing a juvenile case: a brief guide for the citizen
• Your rights as a victim of a juvenile offender
• Other community agencies that provide assistance
• Send a Victim Impact Statement (PDF Format) - Be sure to note defendant's name and case number