Local Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE)
Local Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (Local VALE) Program
In 1984, the General Assembly approved legislation to establish the Assistance to Victims of and Witnesses to Crimes and Aid to Law Enforcement Act, C.R.S.24-4.2-101-110. As currently enacted, the Act mandates a surcharge on fines imposed for felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile offenses, class 1 and 2 traffic offenses, and certain traffic infractions. The funds collected are used for grants to agencies that provide services to crime victims within the local judicial district in which the monies are collected.
A surcharge of 37% of an imposed fine or a flat fee, whichever is greater, is paid by the guilty party
Fee rates
- $163.00 for felonies
- $78.00 for misdemeanors
- $46.00 for class 1 misdemeanor traffic offenses
- $33.00 for class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses
- Surcharges for Class A & Class B traffic offenses are outlined in CRS 24-4.1-119(1)(f)
- $1300 for convictions or deferred judgments of crimes listed in CRS 24-4.2-104(1)(II) i.e. sex offenses
A five-member board, appointed by the Chief Judge, in each judicial district accepts applications and makes decisions regarding the use of VALE funds in that judicial district. There are two areas of priority for local VALE funding. One priority establishes funding for programs that implement the Victim Rights Act. The other priority is funding for victim and witness services including, but not limited to: crisis intervention services, referrals of victims to appropriate community services and victim compensation programs, and counseling.
Priority use for VALE monies:
Implementation of the Victim Rights Act
Provision of services and programs such as:
- crisis intervention, telephone lines, referrals to other agencies, assistance programs for victims/family members
- education of criminal justice system, return of victims’ property, notification of case status, intercession with employers or creditors
- Assistance to elderly & people with disabilities to arrange transportation to and from court
- translation services
- secure place to wait before testifying(victim/witness room)
- counseling or assistance during court appearances
- protection from threats of harm an intimidation
- special advocates services
