Rights of Victims - The Peoples Law Library describes the various laws detailing the rights for victims of violent crimes.

Representation

• The Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center, Inc. (Formerly the Stephanie Roper Foundation) Offers advice and referral services, and a Crime Victim Legal Advocacy Program.
  Phone: 1-(877)-VICTIM-1 (877-842-8461) Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  Location:1001 Prince George's Blvd, Unit 15, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-3055

• The National Crime Victim Bar Association
  Contains information for victims on their website including considerations for choosing an attorney and what the caller can do to assist his/her attorney. They can also help callers find a local attorney specializing in victim-related litigation.
  Phone: (202) 467-8753     Fax: (202) 467-8701
  E-mail: victimbar@ncvc.org

• The State's Attorney's Office -  County listing of offices.
  The State's Attorney's office for each county in Maryland (and Baltimore City) has a victim/witness assistance coordinator who will answer questions and help victims/witnesses through the court process. Will also provide case information, help to apply for criminal injury compensation or referrals to community victim service programs.

Compensation

• Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
  Provides financial assistance for innocent victims of crime. The Board may compensate victims who suffer physical injury for their medical expenses and loss of earnings. In cases of homicide, the Board may assist with funeral expenses and loss support on the part of the victim's dependents. Site lists qualifications and forms to file.
  Phone: (410) 585-3517, toll-free: (888)679-9347 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

 Information

• The "Victim Services in Maryland" Web Page
  Public Safety and Correctional Services website lists the Department's services, including information on incarceration status of offenders, the whereabouts of released offenders, help in navigating the criminal justice process, and financial compensation to the victims of crime. Also has county listing of services of many other public and private providers of victim assistance. Tell caller to go to http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/ and click on "Victim Services in Maryland" on the bottom of the page.

• National Center for Victims and Crime
  Publishes several victims rights brochures, including "Repairing the Harm: A New Vision for Victim Compensation in America."  The Center will provides information on victim services and referrals to local programs.
  Phone:1-800-FYI-CALL (394-2255)                   Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 8:30 pm     

• Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention Victims of Crime Division  The Victims of Crime division helps develop state and local policy and advocates for victims' rights.  This website has links to other crime victim services in Maryland.                                  Phone: (410) 321-3521, toll-free 1-877-687-9004     Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  E-mail: info@goccp-state-md.org
  Location: Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, 300 E. Joppa Road, Suite 1100, Baltimore, MD 21286

• The Family Violence Council
  Government established programs and policies protecting victims. This website has referrals to hotlines and resources  for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

• Also see People's Law Library Criminal Issues.

Rape Victims' may also find help from:

• Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence: Contains information and materials for victims. It also provides links to Maryland Domestic Violence Services Provider by County and by special populations (immigrants, military personnel, disabled, and victims of sexual assault).
  Phone: 1-800-MD-HELPS (1-800-634-3577) or 301-352-4574  Fax: 301-809-0422
  Email: mnadv@aol.com
• Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Inc: Provides advocacy for survivors of sexual crimes. The website includes information for survivors, the public and for professionals. They also have a National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) or
  Phone: 410-974-4507      Fax: 410-757-4770
  Email: info@mcasa.org

Stalking Information

• National Center for Victims of Crime - Stalking Resource Center:  Contains a resource center for Victims of Stalkers.  The site contains stalker specific laws for each state as well as news, help for victims, court cases and statistics