Recognizing the impact of crime on innocent victims, the State of Colorado enacted the Crime Victim Compensation Act in 1981 to financially assist victims of crimes.
Funds are collected as fines from juveniles and adults who have been convicted of crimes. Awards to victims are made by the Crime Victim Compensation Board of the 5th Judicial District, whose three members are volunteer citizens appointed by the District Attorney.
Losses that may be compensated are:
- Reasonable medical and hospital expenses
- Mental health counseling
- Replacement of repair of dentures, hearing aids, eyeglasses and other medically necessary devices
- Out-patient care, homemaker and home health services
- Burial expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of support to dependents
- Replacements of doors, locks, windows or other security devices on residential buildings
To be eligible, the following conditions must be met:
- the crime must be reported to law enforcement authorities,
- you must cooperate fully with the prosecution of the perpetrator,
- the injury cannot result from your own wrongdoing, and
- application must be made within one year of the offense.