District Attorney’s Office to Host Free Workshop for Crime Victims on August 23, 2025
Meridian, MS – District Attorney Kassie Coleman will host a Crime Victim Assistance Workshop on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Lauderdale County Board of
Supervisors Meeting Room, located on the first floor of the Lauderdale County Government Complex at 612 22nd Ave South, Meridian, Mississippi
This workshop is designed to assist victims of violent crimes and/or their immediate next of kin with completing Victim Impact Statements and Victim Compensation Fund Applications. Trained Victim Assistant Coordinators will be on-site to provide one-on-one support, answer questions, and guide attendees through the documentation process.
Victims or family members may be eligible to apply for reimbursement through the Attorney General’s Victim Compensation Fund for expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, and lost wages. Applications can be submitted even if no arrest has been made, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
Important notes for attendees:
1. Space is limited. If possible, please limit attendance to two people per case.
2.Bring any relevant documentation, including:
o Funeral bill including an itemized statement of services
o Medical bills showing expense details from each provider
o Proof of employment or wage loss (letter from employer or pay stubs)
Please note that compensation is not available for property loss; however, Victim Impact Statements help the District Attorney’s office pursue restitution for property crimes in cases where a plea is entered or a guilty verdict is reached.
The District Attorney’s Office typically mails these forms after a case is indicted and the defendant is arraigned. However, due to frequent challenges in reaching victims or next of kin, this workshop aims to proactively assist families in completing necessary paperwork and identifying victims and/or their next of
kin earlier in the legal process. It is important to submit the paperwork in a timely manner. Payment of claims will only be considered by the Attorney General’s Office for up to three (3) years from the date of the crime.
“We understand how difficult and overwhelming this process can be for families,” said District Attorney Kassie Coleman. “Our goal is to make it easier for victims and their loved ones to access the resources and support they need.”