Who May File a Claim
Those eligible to file a claim include:
- A victim who suffers personal physical injury or death as a result of a crime, trying to prevent a crime or apprehending a criminal. If a minor, the claim must be filed by the victim's parent or legal guardian.
- A parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling or child of a homicide victim who dies as a result of the crime.
- Any person legally dependent for principal support from a victim who dies as a result of the crime.
- Any person who takes responsibility for funeral expenses of a homicide victim
Who is Not Eligible to File a Claim
Benefits may be reduced or denied if the victim:
- Participated in the crime
- Engaged in illegal activity
- Contributed to the crime
- Knowingly or intentionally submitted false or forged information to the Criminal Injury Compensation Fund
- Did not cooperate with law enforcement agencies
Qualifications
The following qualifications must be met to file for a claim:
- The crime occurred in Virginia or resulted from an act of foreign terrorism and resulted in physical injury or death.
- The crime was reported to law enforcement within 120 hours after occurrence unless good cause for the delay is shown.
- The victim cooperated with law enforcement and was willing to prosecute in court.
- The value of the claim amounts to at least $100.
- The crime did not involve a motor vehicle accident unless it was a result of a violation of the Drunk Driving Statute or the injuries were intentionally inflicted.
- A Virginia resident who suffers a compensable crime in a country or territory without a compensation program may be eligible.