Kankakee County State's Attorney

Victim Assistance will help you with:*Emergency needs - referrals for food, shelter, medical help, support groups, obtaining assistance if you are harassed, intimidated, threatened or afraid* Information - about the Criminal Justice System, cases status reports on your case* Counseling - referrals for counseling, from the time of the crime to the end of the court process, support at interviews, conferences, and during the trial, assistance with dealing with the long term effects of victimization* Court Appearances - advocacy with employers for their cooperation and support, assistance with preparing to testify, a secure waiting area for witnesses and victims, escort to the courtroom and an advocate to wait with you if you choose, transportation to and from Court if needed, Assistance with the return of property being held as evidence. Crime Victim Compensation - The Attorney Generals' Crime Victim Compensation Program is designed to help ease the financial burdens on the victims of violent crime and their family members. If you sustain an injury as a result of certain violent crimes, you can file for compensation. This compensation will cover expenses not covered by insurance. It does not apply to property damage and it does not compensate for pain and suffering. Contact the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department at 815-937-8263 for eligibility requirements.

The Victim/Witness Program will help you with: * Emergency needs such as referrals for food, shelter, medical help, supports groups, etc. and obtaining assistance if you are harassed, intimidated, threatened or afraid.* Information - about the Criminal Justice System, case status reports on your case.* Counseling - referrals for counseling, from the time of the crime to the end of the court process, support at interviews, conferences, and during the trial, assistance with dealing with the long term effects of victimization.* Court Appearance - advocacy with employers for their cooperation and support, assistance with preparing to testify, a secure waiting area for witnesses, escort to the courtroom and an advocate to wait with you if you choose, transportation to and from court if it's needed, assistance in return of property being held as evidence.

The State's Attorney is a legal advisor and counselor for all county officials (including property tax appeals) and chief prosecuting officer of the county. While the position of State's Attorney is a county elected office, it is partially funded by the state.

JUMP! for Kankakee County is a juvenile mentoring program for at-risk, court-involved youth that partners the States Attorney's Office with the Kankakee Area YMCA, the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, Juvenile Probation, local employers and volunteer mentors. JUMP supports the States Attorney's efforts at the intervention stage of juvenile delinquency with the goal of improving outcomes and reducing truancy so that the child does not re-offend as a minor or become an adult offender. Ideally, every child who enters the juvenile justice system will be paired with a mentor and successfully complete the JUMP program.

Victim Assistance will help you with:* Referrals for food, shelter, medical help, obtaining assistance if you are harassed, intimidated or threatened* Information regarding the Juvenile Criminal Justice System, case status reports on your case* Counseling - referrals to community-based agencies for counseling, support from the time of the crime to the end of the court process, assistance with interviews, trial process and the possible long term effects of victimization* Court Appearances - a secure waiting area for victims and their family while in the courthouse and transportation to and from court if needed

The Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office is primarily a prosecuting agency representing the people of Kankakee County and the victim(s) of crime. This office handles felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases as well as juvenile court matters and mental health hearings. While the position of State's Attorney is a county elected office, it is partially funded by the state. If someone feels that he is the victim of a crime (as opposed to a civil matter) he should report it to the police for investigation. After the investigation is complete, an Assistant State's Attorney will discuss the matter and advise on filing a criminal case. Emergency referrals will be made to appropriate community service agencies as needed. Support is given to intimidated witnesses. Any person is eligible to inquire and there is no fee for any services of the State's Attorney's Office. Services include: Prosecution of crimes, including traffic, misdemeanor, and felony offenses; handling of juvenile court cases, including delinquency, neglect, abuse, truancy; prosecution of domestic violence cases, paternity and non-support matter (IDPH); civil division handles all legal advice to county officers and the county board, and addresses a variety of civil matters (e.g., zoning issues; health and environmental matters; animal cases which reach court; injunctions; nuisances; etc.)

Project Clean Slate is a program that offers periodic events for the expungement of crimes from criminal records. Volunteers offer resume/interview tips to participants. These events are hosted throughout the year, so check the State's Attorney's website to see if an event is currently scheduled.

State's Attorney Jim Rowe formed the Youth Advisory Board to give young people an opportunity to serve as leaders while providing a tremendous benefit to the Office and our county. The mission of the Board is to educate the community about current issues affecting young people, spread awareness about the needs and challenges of youth, and create positive change throughout the community that leads to a reduction in crime. For more information, visit: https://www.k3sao.com/yab or email: CChamberlain@K3County.net