The Montpelier Police Department recognizes that the victims and witnesses of crime have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy and sensitivity. We would like to offer assistance to you by providing support, information and referral services.
shannon.johnson@montpelier.id.gov
angela.grunig@montpelier.id.gov
Victim’s Rights
The law provides that crime victims shall have the right:
Idaho Vine Services
VINE is an automated service that allows you to track custody status of offenders in jail or prison. You can register to be notified by phone or email if the custody status of an offender changes. To register, call 1-866-984-6343 or visit www.vinelink.com TTY 1-866~847-1298.
iCourt Guide and File
iCourt is an online resource for citizens to find and file legal paperwork for the State of Idaho. You can request a Civil Protection Order Online. Easily navigate their website at http://guideandfile.idaho.gov
Crime Victim Compensation
You may be eligible for victim’s compensation. Call our victim services for further information. This fund can directly reimburse victims of crime for related medical and counseling expenses not covered by other resources. Welcome to Crime Victims Compensation Program (idaho.gov)
If you have been named as a victim in an Incident Report, your first action would be to contact Victim Services at 208-847-1324. This phone call places you in direct contact with our victim services personnel and provides you with one contact number, therefore alleviating the need for you to make several unsuccessful phone calls trying to find the answers to your questions. Understanding what has happened, why it happened, what will happen next, what types of resources are available and what your options and rights are can help alleviate undo stress and anxiety.
Research shows that violence can be prevented or reduced when authorities intervene. Otherwise, the cycle of violence and abuse may continue against you and your children, and may increase in frequency and intensity.
If law enforcement has been called to intervene and you find that an arrest has been made, please understand that Idaho Statute 18-903 and 18-918 combined define any unwanted touch as a battery. When battery is committed within the confines of a domestic relationship (spouse or cohabitant in a relationship; dating or child in common), Montpelier Police practice is to arrest the primary aggressor for the reason of providing immediate protection to the victim. Usually a No Contact Order is issued upon the release from jail or at their first court appearance if a citation is issued.
Also understand the officers do not usually know whether the violence is an ongoing or isolated issue. Officers are mandated by law to make an arrest when an investigation shows that a battery has occurred.
If an arrest has occurred the next process for the offender is to appear before the Judge. This hearing is called an arraignment whereby the offender is given the opportunity to understand what they have been charged with, what the maximum penalties are, and plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. It is at this hearing that the Judge determines whether to issue a No Contact Order (NCO). What happens at this hearing determines if other hearings will follow and whether the offender is released or given a bond. If you, the victim, want to speak to the Judge regarding your wishes about the issuance of the NCO, you must attend this hearing. However, the issuance is at the discretion of the arraignment judge.
The NCO may allow the accused person to return home briefly, ESCORTED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, to obtain some personal items needed for hygiene and/or tools for work. You should not attempt to contact the accused after a NCO has been issued. The purpose of the NCO is for you to have time to get the hep you need to stop the cycle of violence by keeping the offender away from you. If you desire the NCO to be modified or terminated, a request for a hearing may be obtained through Bear Lake County Court Services located at 7 East Center St., Paris, Idaho. 208-945-2212 ext. 6.
If an NCO wasn’t issued, you may still be eligible for a Civil Protection Order (CPO). A CPO protects:
A CPO can be issued between qualifying parties if there is evidence of: physical injury, sexual abuse, forced imprisonment or threat of violence.
A Civil Protection Order Can:
How Do I Get One?
This protection order may be obtained WITHOUT a lawyer. Applications, called “Petitions”, are available from the Montpelier Victims Assistance Unit, 208-847-1324, or the Clerk of the Court in the County where you live. Tell the clerk you need protection from domestic violence. This is FREE. If you have any questions, the 5th District Court Clerk can be reached at 208-945-2212 ex. 6.
| Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office | 208-945-2121 |
| Montpelier Victim’s Assistance Unit/Advocates | 208-847-1324 |
| 24/7 Crisis Line | 208-840-0807 |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800-799-7233 |
| Bear Lake County Court Clerk | 208-945-2212 ext. 6 |
If you have been Raped/Sexually Assaulted:
We’re always here for you!
Emergency CALL 911
