Free FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REVIEW SHEET - Connecticut

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REVIEW SHEET
JD-VS-29 New 6-08 C.G.S. §§ 54-205, 54-206, 54-211a

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES JUDICIAL BRANCH www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim

The Office of Victim Services (OVS) has provided this Frequently Asked Questions Review Sheet to assist you in preparing for the Review of your application for compensation. If you have additional questions, please contact the Compensation Unit at 860-263-2761 or toll-free, in Connecticut only, at 1-888-286-7347.

What is a Review?
A Review is an administrative hearing that will be conducted by a victim compensation commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.

What can I expect during the Review?
The commissioner will examine the information in the OVS file, any evidence or testimony presented, and may ask you and witnesses questions relating to this information. You and any witnesses will be placed under oath and will be required to provide your/their name, address, telephone number, and photo identification, such as a driver's license. The Review will also be tape-recorded.

May I bring evidence and/or witnesses?
You may bring any information that will assist you in supporting your position. Evidence in the form of documentation will be marked as an exhibit and kept in your OVS file. For this reason, please bring exhibits that OVS can keep. You may bring any witnesses who can assist in providing facts about the incident and/or serve as a character witness.

May I bring someone to offer support?
Yes. You may bring a relative and/or friend.

Do I need an attorney or may I represent myself?
You are not required to have an attorney and you may represent yourself. Please note, if you have an attorney represent you during the Review, you are responsible for the attorney fees. If an award is made on your application, the attorney may receive up to fifteen percent (15%) of the award as his or her fee, which will be taken from the amount of the award. Additional compensation is not awarded to pay for attorney fees.

When will I receive my Review decision?
You will be notified of the Review decision by certified mail approximately one hundred twenty (120) days after the commissioner has completed the review of the claim information.

If I disagree with the Review decision, what can I do?
You have the right to appeal the Review decision to the Superior Court for the Judicial District of Hartford. The appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days after the mailing of the Review decision or, if there is no mailing, within thirty (30) days after receipt of such decision. OVS is not able to provide you with legal advice on the procedures necessary to file a case with the Superior Court.
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