General Victim Witness Services

Victims of crime are entitled to information regarding what to expect from the criminal justice system, translator services when needed, transportation and separate waiting areas. The state attorney's office is staffed with victim witness counselors and trial coordinators who are ready to provide the following:
  • Emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime
  • Information concerning stages in the criminal or juvenile justice process, and the role of the victim
  • Courtroom orientation and accompaniment
  • Crisis intervention services and grief support
  • Referrals to social service agencies
  • Assistance with filing Crime Victim's Compensation
Note: On November 6, 2018, Florida voter’s passed Amendment 6 to the Florida Constitution, also known as Marsy’s Law, expanding the rights of crime victims in Florida. In addition to outlining the basic rights afforded to victims at the time a crime is committed, Marsy’s Law also affords other rights to victims, upon request. All crime victims now have the “right to prevent the disclosure of information or records that could be used to locate or harass the victim or the victim’s family, or which could disclose confidential or privileged information of the victim.” This right is not automatic, and must be requested by the victim. As a law enforcement agency required by law to preserve the rights of victims of crimes and comply with Florida’s Public Records Law, the South Miami Police Department has modified electronic incident reports to include a "Marsy's Law" check box in order to comply with victim requests to prevent the disclosure of their information, and ensure that future requests for records are properly redacted in accordance with these requests.