We held our first ever Live Q&A on Thursday, June 4th. The Q&A was jointly led by Patrick McKay, Pro-Tem Superior Court Judge, Michelle Evans, Lead Victim Advocate at VFJ and Angela Pointer, the Mother of a homicide victim and Mental Health Specialist at Providence Hospital.
The Q&A covered areas such as Victims’ Rights in Alaska, Advocacy and what that looks like in the criminal justice system. The Q&A was held at a time of uncertainty, where we thought it would be appropriate to discuss questions in regard to the legal process and to provide an insight on a victims’ perspective.
Some of the key issues addressed were:
• A victims’ rights to confer with prosecution on bail and change of plea agreements.
• A victims’ right to be heard in court and in front of the parole board.
• The role of an Advocate as a liaison for victims within the Anchorage Police Department and District Attorney’s Office.
• The role of a Judges as fact-finders and their obligation to remain neutral.
• The role of a prosecutor to charge defendants as established by the legislature and prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Financial Assistance: What is the Violent Crimes Compensation Board? How do victims access this resource?
• What is the formula used to calculate good time credits at the Department of Corrections?
• Resources available such as Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB), Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE), Office of Victims’ Rights (OVR) and Victims For Justice (VFJ).
We hope that this conversation helps Alaskans better understand the rights victims are entitled to and their needs. We hope you enjoyed our event and are open to suggestions. If you missed our Q&A, you may watch it here.
Please submit your questions or comments to mpimenta@victimsforjustice.org
Thank you.
Merissa Pimenta
Development & Communications Specialist
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