Crime Victim Representation and Protective Orders

If you are the victim of a crime, the prosecution (government) controls the criminal case, but you have rights in that case. We help victims at each stage, from the first police report to sentencing and restitution. We speak with prosecutors, assert your rights under Virginia law, and make sure that the court hears your voice. At each step, we also look for evidence that can support a civil lawsuit against the offender. A criminal conviction can become strong proof in a later civil case for money damages.

We also help get civil protective orders for victims of violent crime, stalking, sexual assault, harassment, and revenge porn. A protective order is a court order that tells the offender not to go near you (or your family) and to stop all contact. Violation of such an order is a separate crime. And the person under the order must surrender all firearms. We help prepare the petition, collect the evidence, speak for you at the hearing, and conduct a trial if necessary. If the offender does not obey the order, the police can arrest the offender.

Criminal punishment is only one part of justice. Many victims also have a civil claim for money damages against the offender, or against a business that failed to keep them safe. We use the criminal case to help prepare that civil claim. Contact Hollingsworth PLLC for a confidential consultation.