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1. I want a no contact order dropped, as I never requested the order. How do I do that?

The County Attorney’s Office has the obligation to protect citizens assumed to be in situations which may not be safe. In cases of personal crime, (assault, domestic assault, criminal vehicular operation, attempted murder/murder, child maltreatment, terroristic threats, etc.) the county attorney, as a matter of policy (unless the victim has advised the bail evaluator otherwise prior to the first appearance), routinely requests No Contact Orders since it is difficult to assess an individual's level of safety.

You will need to be present at the next scheduled court hearing to make a personal request to cancel the No Contact Order. On occasion, judges will give consideration to a written request to cancel. It is up to the judge to decide – he/she may feel that maintaining the No Contact Order is the best choice to keep a victim safe. If desired, you may attend the court hearing and be available to appear before the judge if deemed necessary / appropriate to validate your request.

2. As the victim I want the charges dropped. How do I do that?

Victims do not file charges; the county attorney does. Therefore, victims do not have the right to drop charges. It is the county attorney’s responsibility to citizens of the state, with information provided by police / investigators, to charge persons who have committed crimes. If a person recants / changes their story, they must notify the police department or Investigator with this new information. Victims may also speak with the Victim Witness Specialist about their feelings and/or wishes for the outcome of the case. The specialist can be reached by calling 763-324-5540.

3. How do I request a copy of my police report?

Access to law enforcement data is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, a lengthy and complicated statute. To assist crime victims in their quest to obtain law enforcement data, the Crime Victim Justice Unit developed a handout with basic tips for victims, which explains the applicable laws, gives information about what fees may be charged for copies of that data, and suggests strategies for victims when they encounter problems. Download How Do I Get a Copy of My Police Report for more information.

4. Do I have to come to court?

You are not obligated to come to court unless you receive a subpoena. However, as the victim or witness to a crime committed by an adult offender, you have the right to be at any hearing. Many juvenile hearings are closed and you should ask your Victim Witness Specialist whether you may attend. Victim Witness Specialists are available to escort or accompany you to the courtroom and explain the proceedings if you wish.

5. What should I do if I'm afraid the offender will want to retaliate against me or my family members?

The county attorney can request that a No Contact Order be issued as a condition of the defendant’s release. Also, in cases of domestic abuse, you can get help in obtaining an Order for Protection through Alexandra House, 763-576-9999. Visit their website for more information. Any violations of these orders should be reported to the police and the probation office immediately.

6. How do I know if the offender is still in custody?

There are a number of ways to track defendants who may be in custody. You will the need the name of the defendant. A date of birth is also helpful.

• If the defendant is in custody in a state prison, information may be accessed through the Minnesota Department of Corrections website.
• Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE), is an automated system that will track offenders in most of Minnesota’s county jails. VINE is available by calling 877-MN4-VINE (877-664-8463), or at their website.
• You may also receive a document with sentencing information from your Victim Witness Specialist that will enable you to request that the custodial facility notify you when the defendant is scheduled to be released or furloughed.

7. What do I do about expenses related to this crime?

There are several resources available for financial assistance. Your victim witness specialist can help you sort out which is best for you. Emergency funds may be available on a limited basis to help with emergencies not covered by insurance or other sources. The State of Minnesota also has funds available to assist victims of crime with medical, dental, psychological, or funeral expenses related to a crime. Call the specialist at 763-324-5540 for more information.

8. How long until I get my restitution?

Restitution for both juvenile and adult offenders is paid on a schedule arranged by the supervising Probation Officer. You may speak to the probation officer by calling the Anoka County Corrections Department at 763-323-5830 and asking to speak with the person who is supervising the offender. You also have the right to request that a review hearing be scheduled if you are not satisfied with the rate of payment. This will not guarantee payment or any change. It will simply be a request for the court to review the defendant's efforts at complying with the court's order.

9. I'm afraid the offender will want to retaliate against me or my family members. How can you help?

The County Attorney can request that a no contact order be issued as a condition of the defendant’s release. Also, in cases of domestic abuse, you can get help in obtaining an Order for Protection through Alexandra House. Any violations of these orders should be reported to the police and the probation office.

10. What do I do about expenses related to this crime?

There are several resources available for financial assistance. Your Victim Witness Specialist can help you sort out which is best for you. Emergency funds may be available on a limited basis to help with emergencies not covered by insurance or other sources. The State of Minnesota also has funds available to assist victims of crime with medical, dental, psychological or funeral expenses related to a crime.