Victim Compensation
Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) is a victim service program of the Denver District Attorney’s Office that is governed by statute. The CVC program can provide financial assistance for certain crimes and specified services. Not all crime victims or crime related-losses are eligible for reimbursement or payment. To request an application or if you have questions, contact the CVC program staff at 720-913-9253 or victimcomp@denverda.org.
Crime Victim Compensation differs from restitution in that victim compensation is paid from criminal justice-collected funds and restitution is paid by the offender. If a victim receives compensation funds, they cannot claim those same expenses through restitution, or vice versa.
Crime Victim Compensation Program
When someone becomes the victim of a crime there can be many challenges, some of which may be financial. In order to better assist crime victims and their families, the Colorado General Assembly enacted C.R.S. 24-4.1, the Crime Victim Compensation Act. Funds are collected through fines assessed on adults and juveniles who are convicted of certain crimes in the City and County of Denver. A three person citizen Board appointed by the District Attorney distributes the funds as allowed by statue and Board policy.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a violent crime, we may be able to help. Please review the information below.
Persons who qualify
- Victims of violent crime
- Families and dependents of deceased victims
- Persons who are authorized to act on behalf of the victim.
- Witnesses to certain crimes
Getting Started – please review the information below:
- In order to be considered for assistance, a victim must complete and submit a signed application. The application is available below.
- Documentation will be required for every expense that is submitted for consideration.
- Bills must be submitted to insurance or other sources of payment such as Medicaid, Medicare, or Worker’s Compensation before the Crime Victim Compensation Board can consider payment.
Eligibility requirements
- The crime was reported to the Denver Police Department within 72 hours
- The victim must cooperate fully with law enforcement in the investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrator. There does not need to be an arrest or conviction in order to receive compensation
- The injury or death of the victim was not the result of the victim’s own wrongdoing
- The application for compensation must be submitted with one year of the crime; six months for property damage claims
- The crime occurred after July 1, 1982
- Health and homeowner’s insurance must be used first if available
The Crime Victim Compensation Board may waive some of the above requirements for good cause or in the interest of justice. No other person or agency can guarantee eligibility.
Victim Compensation Application (English)