Anyone suffering physical, emotional or financial harm as a direct result of a felony or certain misdemeanors. This definition includes spouses and children of all victims, mentally or physically incapacitated victims, or victims of homicide. As the victim of a crime, you are entitled to certain rights under Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act (also called the Victim Bill of Rights) and related laws.

As the victim of a crime, you may be entitled to information about:

• Protection
• Financial assistance and social services, including the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
• Closed preliminary hearing or use of closed-circuit television if you are the victim of a sexual offense
• Separate waiting area during court proceedings
• The right to remain in the courtroom during a criminal trial or proceeding

  As the victim of a crime, you may be entitled to assistance with:

• Obtaining protection
• Obtaining property held by law enforcement agencies
• Intercession services with your employer
• Obtaining advanced notification of court proceedings
• Receiving the services of an interpreter
• Preparing a Victim Impact Statement
• Seeking restitution

  As the victim of a crime, you may be entitled to notification of:

• Changes in court dates
• Changes in the status of the defendant, if he/she is being held in a jail or a correctional facility
• The opportunity to prepare a written Victim Impact Statement prior to sentencing of a defendan