Crime Victims Assistance

The State of Texas, through the Attorney General's Office, administers a program for assistance to victims of certain crimes who meet defined criteria. The Attorney General has established the following criteria for determination of who may qualify. Additional requirements may also apply and the Attorney General may revise them without notice.

Who May Qualify (TCCP, Art.56.32.)

  • An innocent victim of crime who suffers physical and/or emotional harm or death
  • An authorized individual acting on behalf of a victim
  • A person who legally assumes the obligations or voluntarily pays certain expenses related to the crime on behalf of the victim
  • A dependent of a victim
  • An immediate family member or household members related by blood or marriage who require psychiatric care or counseling as a result of the crime
  • An intervenor who goes to the aid of the victim or a peace officer
  • A peace officer, fire fighter, or individual whose employment includes the duty of protecting the public

What Crimes Are Covered (TCCP, Art.56.32.(4))

Crimes involving "criminally injurious conduct," which is defined as conduct that occurs or is attempted, poses a substantial threat of personal injury or death and is, or would be, punishable by fine, imprisonment or death. This includes sex offenses, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, assault offenses, arson, homicide and other violent crimes in which the victim suffers physical or emotional harm or death.

The following motor-vehicle-related crimes are also covered:

  • Failure to Stop and Render Aid
  • DWI
  • Manslaughter
  • Criminally Negligent Homicide
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Intoxication Manslaughter
  • Intoxication Assault

If you have been a victim of a violent crime you may be eligible for Crime Victim’s Compensation offered through the Texas Attorney General’s Office. To complete an application to see what you may be eligible for, email Janet Hyltin with the Criminal Investigations Division or call 972-412-6220.

Otherwise, for specific, updated information and any required application forms and instructions please visit the Attorney General's website.

Be aware that this is a state, not local, program.