Since 1939, the Florida Highway Patrol has served the citizens of Florida with professionalism and courtesy, which is unsurpassed in law enforcement.

Now with the development of the Victim Advocate Office, the Florida Highway Patrol has enhanced its service orientation to the people of Florida. This enhancement of having a liaison between the agency and the victims of crime, will serve the needs of the citizens in a prompt and proactive manner.

Crime victims and those who witness criminal offenses are vitally important to the criminal justice system. This is recognized by the Florida Victim Witness Protection Act of 1984. As a victim or a witness of a crime you should know that the Florida Legislature recognizes that many innocent persons suffer injury or death as a result of criminal acts. Such persons or their dependents may thereby suffer disabilities, incur financial hardships, or become dependent upon public assistance. The legislature finds that there is a need for government assistance for the victims of criminal acts.

The Florida Constitution guarantees the rights of a victim, including the next of kin of a homicide victim, to be informed, to be present, and to be heard, when relevant or at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the extent that this right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.

Victim Rights

VICTIM/WITNESS RIGHTS
As a victim of crime you are ensured certain rights. These rights include:

• Restitution: the court may order the defendant to make restitution to the victim for damages or loss caused by the offense.
• Crime Compensation: you may be eligible for monetary reimbursement of medical bills and loss of wages through the Florida Crimes Compensation Program.
• Victim/Witness Protection: Florida law prohibits using intimidation, physical force, or threats to influence testimony or not to testify.
• Right to be Informed: and to be heard when relevant at all crucial stages of the criminal proceedings.
• Notification: of the release or escape of the offender and notification of schedule changes in court proceedings.
• Impact Statements: the right to provide information on how the crime affected you and your family.
• Timely Disposition: you have the right to a prompt and timely disposition of your case.
• Support/Community Referrals: to community agencies for crisis counseling, financial assistance, food and shelter, etc.
• Employer Notification: written notification to employer alerting them of the need for your cooperation which will cause absences from work.
• Creditor Notification: documentation to creditors of the serious financial strain this crime has caused you.
• Return of Property: the advocate will inquire to have your personal property returned to you as soon as possible.

Troops With Victim Advocate Offices

Troop D Area Served: Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Brevard, Volusia Counties	Troop L Area Served: Indian River, Palm Beach, Broward, Okeechobee, Martin Counties
Victim Advocate: Ms. Syr Rodriguez Email: SyrRodriguez@flhsmv.gov Phone Number: 407-737-2300 ext. 1040 FAX Number: 407-384-2826 Address: 133 South Semoran Blvd., Suite A Orlando, FL 32807	Victim Advocate: Ms. Gail Wint Email: GailWint@flhsmv.gov Senior Clerk: Ms. Patricia Twist Phone Number: 954-837-4028 FAX Number: 954-837-4015 Address: 14190 West State Road 84 Davie, FL 33325