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Crime Victim AdvocatesDistrict Attorney Jim Murphy, established the first Crime Victim Unit within the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office. This unit assists crime victims as their case is processed through the criminal justice system. Crime victim advocates are available to explain the nature of the charges, advise as to how the victim's case will proceed, provide information as to what the crime victim can expect and estimate a timetable as to how long the victim's case will take before disposition. In addition, crime victim advocates meet to explain the grand jury, hearings and the trial process. The advocates are good at listening to crime victims and explaining in simple terms how the case will be handled. They also provide a direct link to the prosecutor assigned to the case and can relay information from the victim to the prosecutor and back quickly, clearly and efficiently. Crime victim advocates do not provide counseling or treatment services of any kind, nor do they provide legal advice. Instead, they refer to numerous outside agencies that provide direct victim services. A listing of direct service providers can be accessed by clicking on to our Links page within this web site. You may also reach our crime victim unit for additional information by calling our Crime Victim Unit at 518-885-2263 In addition, through the Crime Victim Unit, the DA has established the unprecedented position of School Truancy Prevention Coordinator who works with all of the county's school districts in order to collaborate with a number of agencies, departments, law enforcement units and courts to keep kids in school. The program has been a remarkable success.
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