The Victim/Witness Assistance Program

The program is available to assist and help you navigate the Criminal Justice process.  Our program responds to the needs of and enforces the rights of victims and witnesses of crime. Support services are provided to victims of crime by giving information about the court process, making referrals to available community resources, providing information about your role as a witness, assistance in applying to the Virginia Victims Fund for crime related expenses, and more.

If you have any questions, or if we can do anything to help you, please let us know.  (757)382-6417.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 21-27

2024
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IT'S A FACT

Victim witness assistance can be provided for multiple crime types, including sexual assault, domestic violence, kidnapping, trafficking, homicide, burglary, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF O'SULLIVAN ABOUT VICTIM/WITNESS

Victims and witnesses are a crucial part of the Criminal Justice System, and I am aware of the difficulties they encounter. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program was created to be more responsive to your needs and to enforce your rights. The program will ensure sensitive crisis assistance, and help to promote an understanding of the criminal justice system and your role in it. We are aware that victims and witnesses have special needs, and our program is available to assist with information and referrals for services. It is my commitment that the Victim/Witness Assistance Program will do all that is possible to assist victims of crime. If you have questions, or if we can do anything to help you, please let us know. By working together, we can certainly make Chesapeake a safer community.

CONTACT US

Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office Attn: Victim/Witness Assistance Program P.O. Box 15125 Chesapeake, Virginia 23328 Main office: (757) 382-6417 Fax: (757) 382-8373

Office Locations: 2nd floor of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Building 1st floor of the General District and Circuit Court Building



Staff:

Name Phone Email
Patty Strathmann (757) 382-6794 pstrathm@cityofchesapeake.net
Anita Kool (757) 382-8172 akool@cityofchesapeake.net
Jackee Morales-Padilla (757) 382-6883 jpadilla@cityofchesapeake.net
Michelle Maestle (757) 382-8397 mmaestle@cityofchesapeake.net
Susan Overton (757) 382-3207 soverton@cityofchesapeake.net
Michael Arthur (757) 382-8161 mmarthur@cityofchesapeake.net
Sarah White (757) 382-3287 sgwhite@cityofchesapeake.net
Sandra Norfleet (757) 382-6417 snorfleet@cityofchesapeake.net
Rebecca Gonzalez-Bermudez (757) 382-8140 rgonzalezbermudez@cityofchesapeake.net

 

What You Should Know About Victim/Witness

Please contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Program if you would like information on the following:

  • Financial Assistance
  • Information on filing for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (CICF)
  • Information on court ordered restitution
  • Notification
  • Advanced notification of judicial proceedings
  • Case status and disposition information on your case
  • Employer contact to ensure you are not penalized for appearing in court


  • Employer contact to ensure you are not penalized for appearing in court
  • Upon written request, notification from a local jail or the penitentiary of the convicted assailants release or name change
  • Upon written request, notification from the Attorney General’s Office of an appeal being granted
  • Victim Input
  • Your right to provide a written and/or verbal Victim Impact Statement after the defendant’s conviction
  • Courtroom Assistance
  • You would like an explanation of court proceedings
  • You would like a tour of the courtroom before you testify
  • You would like a victim advocate to attend court with you
  • You have questions about your role as a witness
  • You have questions about obtaining a protective order
  • Upon written request, confidentiality of your address and telephone number
  • Provision of an interpreter during court proceedings
  • Separate waiting areas during court proceedings

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    Helpful tips when coming to court
    • Leave electronic devices, such as cell phones and cameras, at home.
    • Be to court on time.
    • Leave yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the court building.
    • Be aware of any bridge lifts you may encounter on your drive to court.
    • Be prepared to wait. Our courts are busy and handle many cases every day.
    • Arrange childcare ahead of time.
    • Due to the heavy caseload, cases are not always called at the time of your subpoena; therefore, you may be in court for an extended period of time.
    • Dress neatly.
    • The way you dress is a direct reflection of you and your character.
    • Be prepared.
    • Bring any evidence, such as pictures, to court for your hearing.

    ** The Chesapeake Victim/Witness Program does not discriminate in the delivery of services based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.