Victim Compensation

We recognize that being a victim of crime can be a devastating experience, both emotionally and financially. To help victims cope with the effects of crime, the District Attorney's Office, through a citizen board, manages a Victim Compensation Fund.

We wish that the fund could reimburse all costs for all crimes, but we are limited by law to certain kinds of crime and certain types of expenses. Please read the questions and answers below to see whether your situation may be one in which the Victim Compensation Fund could be helpful.

If you feel you are eligible for compensation from the fund, or if you still have questions after reading the comments below, please feel free to contact our Victim Compensation Administrator at (719) 583-6092.

Bill Thiebaut
District Attorney

Are you a victim of a compensable crime?

If a crime is compensable (see below), victims include those who:

  • Have suffered property damage, economic loss, injury or death due to a crime committed in Colorado, or
  • Suffer injury or death because they were near a crime when it occurred, or
  • Are victims of a crime in another state or country that would be compensable in Colorado, but the other location does not have a compensation program, or
  • Are injured or killed by an act of international terrorism committed outside the United States, or
  • Attempted to help a primary victim or are relatives of a primary victim.

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What is a compensable crime?

A crime is compensable through this office if:

  • It occurred within Pueblo County, it is the intentional, knowing, reckless or criminally negligent act of a person, and it results in bodily injury and/or death, or residential property damage.
  • Driving under the influence or driving while ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs are included as compensable crimes.

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How can you qualify for victim compensation?

If you are the victim of a crime, the family or dependent of a deceased victim, or a person authorized to act on behalf of victims, you qualify for compensation if you:

  • Cooperate fully with law enforcement officials in catching and prosecuting the criminal;
  • Notify law enforcement of the crime within 72 hours and cooperate with them fully;
  • Apply for compensation within one year of an offense involving death or injury, or within 6 months of property damage;
  • Have exhausted all other resources for payment.

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What costs can be reimbursed?

  • Reasonable medical and hospital expenses.
  • Outpatient care.
  • Loss of earnings.
  • Homemaker and home health services.
  • Burial expense.
  • Loss of support to dependents.
  • Mental health services.
  • Loss of eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, or medically necessary devices.
  • In some situations emergency funds up to $1,000 (contact the Administrator at (719)583-6092 for details).
  • Up to $1,000 for replacement of doors, windows, locks or other security devices on residential buildings.
  • Total compensation of no more than $20,000.

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You may not claim compensation if:

  • You provoked the crime that resulted in your injury, or if you committed a wrongful act yourself.
  • You are only claiming pain and suffering, or property damage other than what is listed above.
  • Your costs have already been paid from any other source.
  • The damage is to a vehicle.

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How do you apply for compensation? 

If you believe you are eligible for victims compensation, call (719) 583-6092 and set up an appointment with our Victim Compensation Administrator. The Administrator will explain the compensation program to you and help you fill out the necessary forms.

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How are claims considered?

A board composed of three Pueblo County citizens reviews each application for compensation to determine whether it fits with the laws that govern victim compensation funds. If compensation is awarded, the Board directs the Tenth Judicial Court Administrator to pay the applicant or service provider. Applicants are notified within 45 to 60 days on whether their application was accepted or rejected.

When an application is denied, the applicant has the right to request the Board to reconsider its decision. That request needs to be made within 30 days. The Board will deduct payments received from insurance, other agencies, court ordered restitution or civil remedies from any compensation it awards.

If you have questions or want to apply for Victim Compensation, call the Victim Compensation Administrator at (719)583-6092.

 

The Crime Victim Compensation staff and Board does not discriminate because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or any other non merit factor in the acceptance, review and approval of a Crime Victim Compensation application and request. To file a discrimination complaint please visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr 

Parent Department: 
District Attorney - Tenth Judicial District
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