What is the Victims of Crime Program in Nevada?

Posted on December 21, 2020

Nevada’s Victims of Crime Program (VOCP) provides financial support for eligible crime victims and their families.

What expenses does the VOCP pay for?

Each case is different. Depending on the circumstances, VOCP may help pay expenses for:

• Childcare costs that the crime caused
• Medical bills (hospitals, ambulance, clinical visits, home health care, dental work, etc.)
• Insurance co-pays
• Medical equipment (such as wheelchairs)
• Prescription drugs
• Vision prosthetics and eyeglass replacement
• Mental health counseling
• Lost wages
• Funeral and burial
• If the victim died, loss of support for dependents
• Emergency shelter and moving costs
• Crime scene cleanup
• Home security repair

No claim may exceed $35,000. VOCP does not pay for the following expenses:

• Pain and suffering
• Expenses that insurance or other sources can cover
• Property damage
• Lost or stolen property or money
• Expenses unrelated to the crime
• Victim restitution

Who is eligible for VOCP?

VOCP candidates must meet the following five requirements:

1. The victim must experience a violent crime. Examples include rape, battery, domestic violence, DUI, child abuse, or elder abuse. If the victim gets killed in the crime, his/her family may be eligible for VOCP assistance.
2. The crime must be reported to law enforcement or child protective services within five (5) days of the incident. The only exception is if the victim was incapable of meeting the deadline.
3. The VOCP application must be submitted within one (1) year of the crime. If the victim is unable to file within a year, then within a reasonable time. Minor victims of sexual assault, molestation or pornography must file before reaching 21 years old.
4. Victims must not have participated in committing the crime.
5. Victims must fully cooperate with law enforcement and the VOCP.

How do victims apply for VOCP assistance?

Victims must complete and submit the VOCP application:

• VOCP Application in English
• VOCP Application in Spanish

Applications should be sent to either:

VOCP

P.O. Box 94525

Las Vegas, NV 89193

Fax: 888-941-7890

Email: [email protected]

For help, contact the VOCP program manager at 702-486-2740.

The VOC program can reimburse certain victims for medical costs.

What if a VOCP application is rejected?

Victims have 60 days to appeal if their application is denied:

• VOCP Appeal Application in English
• VOCP Appeal Application in Spanish

VOCP’s Compensation Officer will then schedule a hearing. This is typically within 30 days of the appeal. The victim may appear in person or by phone. Alternatively, the victim may submit a statement in writing. The Hearing Officer typically provides a decision within 15 days.

If the Hearing Officer denies the appeal, the victim has 15 days to appeal again. The Appeals Officer will schedule a hearing. This is typically within 30 days of the second appeal. The victim may appear in person or by phone. Alternatively, the victim may submit a statement in writing. This hearing will be recorded. The Appeals Officer typically provides a decision within 30 days.

If the Appeals Officer denies the second appeal, the victim has 15 days to appeal a third and final time. The Board of Examiners will notify the victim when it will hear the appeal. The Board may either affirm, reverse, or remand the decision of the Appeals Officer.

Learn more about crime victims advocacy in Nevada.

About the Author

Neil Shouse

A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, Court TV, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.