Victim Witness Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. How do I report a crime?

   For crimes in progress or during an emergency, call 911. Crimes that have already occurred can be reported with the Saint Paul Police Department at their non-emergency number, (651) 291-1111. Some non-emergency crimes can also be reported on-line with the Saint Paul Police Department.   On-line reporting can be found here. 

   All reports of criminal activity that occur within the City of Saint Paul must be made to a law enforcement agency such as the Saint Paul Police Department.

   If the police responded but didn’t make a police report, please go to the police precinct and request for a police report to be written.

   Our office cannot pursue criminal charges without a police report. 

2. What are my rights as a victim?

   As a victim of a crime, you are entitled to certain rights in the criminal justice process.  

   You may find a list of all of your rights as a victim in our Crime Victim Rights brochure. This brochure is also available in Hmong, Spanish, and Somali.

3. Who can I contact to answer questions about a case in which I’m a crime victim?

   Our Victim Witness Program has specially trained system coordinators who assist victims throughout the criminal justice process. This advocate will help to provide details about your case and other supportive options available to you.

4. What is a victim impact statement?

   Upon a conviction, victims of crimes have the right to communicate directly to the court by writing a statement or by appearing at the sentencing hearing and speaking on the record. Although this is not a requirement, it is an opportunity to communicate the impact the crime has had on you and give input on the sentence. Victim Impact Statements are shared with the defense and judge before sentencing. 

   To learn more about victim impact statements, download our Victim Impact Statement brochure in English, Spanish, Hmong, or Somali.

5. How do I receive restitution?

   If you are the victim of a crime, you may be entitled to payment, also known as restitution, for any out-of-pocket losses or expenses caused by the defendant. The amount of restitution a defendant must pay is determined by the judge in your case.

   You can request restitution through an Affidavit of Restitution form before the sentencing dispositional hearing. Also, call 651-266-8740 to find out who your Victim Witness Coordinator is.

   Learn more on our Restitution page. 

6. What are Crime Victim Reparations?

   The Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board is a state program that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime. Payments made through this program are separate restitution payments. This program compensates victims for expenses related to the crime, including medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of support. However, it does not compensate victims for property losses, pain and suffering or stolen money.

   Unlike restitution, reparations can be made available to victims regardless of whether the defendant in the case is found guilty. Victims of violent crime should apply for reparations even if they are also requesting restitution.

   Victims and their families do not have to wait until after any medical, dental, or mental health treatment to apply for reparations. They are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the incident so they can be reimbursed more quickly. Claim forms are available from the Minnesota Crime Victim Reparations Board at 651-201-7300 or here.

7. What other resources are available to me as a crime victim?

   There are many resources available for victims of crimes, including domestic abuse. For a list of these, please visit our Victim Resources page.

8. What if I am a crime victim and also have immigration concerns?

   There are protections available for crime victims who are undocumented. For further information, please download our U-Visa brochure.

9. What is a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO)?

   A Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) is a court order issued by a judge as part of a criminal case that makes it a crime for the defendant (the person charged with the crime) to have contact with the victim(s). Contact includes in person, phone, text, on social media or through a third party. A DANCO can also exclude a defendant from a shared residence.

10. How will I know if a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) has been ordered?

    The City Attorney’s Office will call you and let you know and will also mail you a copy of the DANCO. Make sure we have your most up-to-date mailing address, phone number and email.

11. Why did the judge order a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO)?

    DANCOs are issued when a judge is concerned for a person’s safety.

12. How do I get a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) cancelled or modified?

    Contact our office and we will let the judge know. Judges will consider your request at the next scheduled hearing. Judges do not consider lifting DANCOs between hearings. Our office may also express an opinion to the judge as to whether we feel a DANCO should be cancelled or modified.

13. What happens if there is a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) in place and the defendant contacts me?

    Contact the police. The defendant could face arrest and additional criminal charges.

14. We live at the same place. Where is the defendant supposed to go?

    They will have to find another place to stay until the case is resolved and/or the DANCO is cancelled.

15. The defendant has medication/clothes at our shared residence. How will they get them?

    The defendant can request a one-time police escort to pick up items. This will be written on the DANCO. If you are unsure whether or not a one-time police escort was granted or have questions about how that process works, contact the City Attorney’s Office.

16. How are we supposed to communicate about our children?

    If minor children are not listed on a DANCO there is nothing prohibiting a defendant from having contact with them. The City Attorney’s Office can ask the judge to allow “third party contact” to assist in childcare and exchanges. Third parties are friends or relatives willing to share information back and forth. Contact our office if you would like to designate a third party.

17. What is the difference between a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) and an Order for Protection (OFP)?

    A DANCO is put in place by a judge as part of a criminal proceeding. An OFP is requested by an individual and is a civil matter. If you have an OFP you can request that a judge cancel or amend it at any time. It is possible to have both a DANCO and an OFP in place at the same time. Cancelling an OFP does not mean that the DANCO gets cancelled.