Law garden / Wyoming
If you're Jane Doe in Wyoming
What Wyoming's crime victim compensation law says, in plain words. Each line links to the exact sentence it comes from.
Crime Victim Compensation Program, run by Wyoming Office of the Attorney General, Division of Victim Services.
Show the law for this line: Wyoming DVS Crime Victim Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
Wyoming DVS Crime Victim Compensation Frequently Asked QuestionsWY-S3
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
- $15,000the most you can ask for in totalW.S. 1-40-109(d)
- 1 yearto apply, from the date it happenedW.S. 1-40-106(a)(v)
- Police reportthe program asks for oneW.S. 1-40-106(a)(iv)
- $0what a forensic exam should cost youWY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual Assault
What the program can pay for
The most the program can pay for all costs together is $15,000.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-109(d)
W.S. 1-40-109(d)WY-CAP-1
The maximum award to any victim or dependent is $15,000. A separate catastrophic injury award can add more (see notes).
the maximum individual award of compensation paid to any victim or dependent shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00).
Medical care
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-102(a)(vi)and 1 more
W.S. 1-40-102(a)(vi)WY-COV-1
Medical expenses include medical and dental services, mental health counseling and care, prosthetic devices, and eyeglasses.
"Medical expense" includes the cost of all medical and dental services, mental health counseling and care, dental and prosthetic devices, eyeglasses or other corrective lenses
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Medical/Dental ExpensesWY-COV-2
Program policy lists sexual assault emergency room expenses as a covered medical expense.
Sexual assault emergency room expenses (see SANE Exam policy if outside of CVCP).
Counseling
- After the first counseling visit, which is paid in full, counseling is paid at $85 an hour. Group counseling is paid at $40 an hour.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-109(d)and 2 more
W.S. 1-40-109(d)WY-COV-5
Losses are paid only if they happen within 24 months of the injury or discovery of the crime. The division can extend this by 12 months for mental health counseling, for a total of 36 months.
However, the division may extend the twenty-four (24) month period to allow compensation for mental health counseling and care occurring within an additional twelve (12) month period for a total of thirty-six (36) months.
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Mental Health ExpensesWY-COV-6
For counseling to be covered, the first session must be within 1 year of the crime; for juvenile victims reported after the filing period, within 1 year of the report.
The first counseling session must be within one (1) year of the date of the crime. The first counseling session for juvenile victims (crimes reported past the one year filing requirement) must be within one year of reporting date of the crime.
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Mental Health ExpensesWY-CAP-2
The initial counseling visit shall be paid in full. Thereafter, counseling shall be paid at the rate of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) an hour. Group counseling shall be paid at a rate of forty dollars ($40.00) an hour.
Prescriptions
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Medical/Dental Expenses
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Medical/Dental ExpensesWY-COV-4
Prescriptions needed because of the crime are covered.
Prescriptions needed as a result of the crime.
Dental care
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Medical/Dental Expenses
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Medical/Dental ExpensesWY-COV-3
Dental services directly related to the crime are covered.
Dental services directly related to the crime.
Travel
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Travel Expenses
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Travel ExpensesWY-COV-9
Travel is covered when a victim has to go at least 10 miles outside their home community for counseling, medical treatment not available locally, or to give a victim impact statement at sentencing. Mileage is paid at the state rate, with no separate cap beyond the total award.
Expenses incurred when required to travel at least ten (10) miles outside the home community to receive the following services.
Lost pay
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Loss of Earnings, Financial Limitsand 1 more
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Loss of Earnings, Financial LimitsWY-COV-7
Lost wages are paid at no more than the federal minimum wage, for up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, or 173 hours a month, for up to 3 months total. The victim must have been employed at the time of the crime, and sick and vacation leave count as other sources.
Maximum amount must not exceed the federal minimum hourly wage for eight (8) hours per day, or forty (40) hours per week, or one hundred seventy-three (173) hours per month up to three (3) months total.
W.S. 1-40-109(b)WY-COV-8
By statute, lost earnings are based on the victim's average monthly earnings over the 6 months before the injury, or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is less.
Loss of earnings and loss of future earnings shall be determined on the basis of the victim's average monthly earnings for the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the injury, or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is less.
Moving
- Relocation is capped at $1,200 per claim. Moving within the same community because the home is not safe is capped at $500.
- When the crime happened in the victim's home and returning would do greater harm (the policy names sexual assaults as an example), relocation is capped at $500.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Relocation, Requirementsand 2 more
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Relocation, RequirementsWY-COV-10
Relocation can be covered when the crime happened in the victim's home and returning would do greater harm, and the policy lists sexual assaults as an example. A lower cap applies to this ground (see the relocation caps).
Victim may need to relocate if the crime scene was the home of the victim and returning would do greater harm to the victim.
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Relocation, Financial LimitsWY-CAP-4
$1,200.00 per claim $500.00 maximum award for persons not safe in their home who must relocate within their community.
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Relocation, Financial LimitsWY-CAP-9
$500.00 maximum award for persons relocating if the crime scene was the home of the victim and returning would do greater harm to the victim.
Clothing and bedding
- Replacing clothing, bedding, and other personal property kept as evidence is capped at $500 per claim, and it counts toward the total award.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as Evidenceand 1 more
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as EvidenceWY-COV-11
Clothing and bedding taken as evidence after a sexual assault can be replaced. In sexual assault cases, all such items are eligible even if they could be returned.
All items under sexual assault cases are eligible even if they could be returned.
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as EvidenceWY-CAP-5
Up to a maximum award of $500.00 per claim deducted from the total award amount.
Crime scene cleanup
- Professional crime scene cleanup is capped at $2,500 per claim.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Crime Scene Cleanup
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Crime Scene CleanupWY-CAP-6
Licensed professional cleanup of the crime scene with documentation of service provided and cost. Who May Receive Benefits A qualified victim, claimant, or associated victim. Financial Limits $2,500.00 per claim.
Funeral costs
- Funeral and burial costs are capped at $7,000 per claim, counted toward the maximum award.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Funeral/Burial Expenses
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Funeral/Burial ExpensesWY-CAP-7
Up to a maximum award of $7,000.00 per claim and is deducted from the maximum award amount.
What it does not pay for
Phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices are not covered, unless good cause is shown.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as Evidence, Exemptions
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as Evidence, ExemptionsWY-EXC-1
Cell phones, laptops, tablets, and any other elective electronic devices are not covered under the CVCP, unless good cause is shown for reimbursement.
Property loss and pain and suffering are not compensated.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Primary Victim Compensation Application Instructions, General Information
WY DVS Primary Victim Compensation Application Instructions, General InformationWY-EXC-2
The law does not allow compensation for property loss or pain and suffering.
Items destroyed or damaged during the crime are not eligible for replacement.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as Evidence
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Replacement of Personal Property Seized as EvidenceWY-EXC-3
Items destroyed or damaged during the crime are not eligible.
Substance use treatment is not covered.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Mental Health Expenses, Ineligible Expenses
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Mental Health Expenses, Ineligible ExpensesWY-EXC-4
Substance use/abuse treatment is not eligible for reimbursement.
The forensic exam
You should not get a bill for a sexual assault forensic exam.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual Assault
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual AssaultWY-EXAM-2
Under program policy, a survivor who reported to police can get a SANE exam at no cost. The hospital or SANE program will not bill the survivor, and will not bill the survivor's insurance without express consent.
Victims of sexual assault, who have made a report to law enforcement and wish to have a SANE exam, may do so at no cost to the victim SANE Exam will be administered and evidence collected Hospital/SANE Program will not bill victim, will not bill victim's insurance without express consent
The provider can bill your insurance for it only if you agree.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual Assault
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual AssaultWY-EXAM-2
Under program policy, a survivor who reported to police can get a SANE exam at no cost. The hospital or SANE program will not bill the survivor, and will not bill the survivor's insurance without express consent.
Victims of sexual assault, who have made a report to law enforcement and wish to have a SANE exam, may do so at no cost to the victim SANE Exam will be administered and evidence collected Hospital/SANE Program will not bill victim, will not bill victim's insurance without express consent
When the assault is reported to police, the costs of the forensic exam for the investigation are billed to and paid by the Division of Victim Services, as long as funding is available. If that money runs out, the investigating law enforcement agency pays.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 6-2-309(g)
W.S. 6-2-309(g)WY-EXAM-1
the costs of any examination relating to the investigation or prosecution of a sexual assault shall be billed to and paid by the victim services division of the office of the attorney general contingent upon available funding.
A survivor who does not want to take part in the criminal justice process can still get a forensic exam paid for by the Division of Victim Services, which uses set-aside surcharge funds (not compensation funds) and keeps the survivor anonymous.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), SANE Exam Payment Policy: Anonymous Reporting of Sexual Assault
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), SANE Exam Payment Policy: Anonymous Reporting of Sexual AssaultWY-EXAM-4
the Division of Victim Services (DVS) is required to cover the cost of a forensic medical examination for victims of sexual assault who do not wish to participate in the criminal justice process.
For an anonymous exam, the division pays only for evidence collection, STD testing, and pregnancy testing. Other tests not related to the crime are not paid through this route.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), SANE Exam Payment Policy
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), SANE Exam Payment PolicyWY-EXAM-5
DVS can only pay for the evidence collection examination, STD testing, and pregnancy testing.
For a reported exam, the division pays only the costs of the SANE exam and its evidence collection. Other treatment costs can be sent to Crime Victims Compensation under the normal rules.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual Assault
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), Law Enforcement Reporting of Sexual AssaultWY-EXAM-7
ONLY costs associated with the SANE Exam and associated evidence collection shall be paid by the Division of Victim Services.
Exam costs the survivor has to pay that are not covered by the division's exam payment or another source can be submitted to Crime Victims Compensation, under the normal eligibility rules.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 6-2-309(h)
W.S. 6-2-309(h)WY-EXAM-6
any examination costs directly incurred by a sexual assault victim that are not covered by subsection (g) of this section, or other collateral source, shall be submitted to the victim services division within the office of the attorney general for determination of eligibility for payment from the crime victims compensation account
Police report
The program asks that the crime be reported to police.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-106(a)(iv)and 1 more
W.S. 1-40-106(a)(iv)WY-REP-1
The crime must be reported to law enforcement as soon as practical, and the claimant must cooperate with law enforcement. The statute sets no fixed number of days and lists no alternative to a police report.
The appropriate law enforcement authorities were notified of the criminal act allegedly causing the injury to or death of the victim as soon as practical under the circumstance after perpetration of the offense and the claimant cooperates with appropriate law enforcement authorities with respect to the crime for which compensation is sought
WY DVS Compensation FAQ, Does There Have To Be An Arrest Or ConvictionWY-REP-3
No arrest, prosecution, or conviction is needed. The crime only has to be reported to law enforcement.
No arrest, prosecution, nor conviction is necessary to be eligible.
The crime must be reported to law enforcement as soon as practical, and the claimant must cooperate with law enforcement. The statute sets no fixed number of days and lists no alternative to a police report.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-106(a)(iv)
W.S. 1-40-106(a)(iv)WY-REP-1
The appropriate law enforcement authorities were notified of the criminal act allegedly causing the injury to or death of the victim as soon as practical under the circumstance after perpetration of the offense and the claimant cooperates with appropriate law enforcement authorities with respect to the crime for which compensation is sought
No arrest, prosecution, or conviction is needed. The crime only has to be reported to law enforcement.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation FAQ, Does There Have To Be An Arrest Or Conviction
WY DVS Compensation FAQ, Does There Have To Be An Arrest Or ConvictionWY-REP-3
No arrest, prosecution, nor conviction is necessary to be eligible.
Deadline to apply
Apply within 1 year of the date it happened.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-106(a)(v)
W.S. 1-40-106(a)(v)WY-DEAD-1
Apply within 1 year of the injury. The division can allow more time for good cause.
The application for compensation is filed with the division within one (1) year after the date of the injury to or death of the victim, or within any extension of time the division allows for good cause shown
Keeping your name and address private
By statute, information in victims' compensation claim files and records that is covered by a confidentiality privilege under Wyoming law stays confidential and is not open to public inspection. It is also shielded from legal process and cannot be used as evidence in any proceeding without the consent of the person who gave it.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-107(d)
W.S. 1-40-107(d)WY-RECORDS-1
Information contained in the claim files and records of victims, which are subject to any privilege of confidentiality under Wyoming law, shall remain confidential and shall not be open to public inspection. The information shall be immune from legal process and shall not, without the consent of the person furnishing the information, be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit or other judicial, legislative or administrative proceeding.
How to apply
Mail Division of Victim Services, 320 W. 25th Street, 2nd Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Show the law for this line: Application, authorization page
Application, authorization pageWY-SUB-1
The signed application goes by mail to the Division of Victim Services in Cheyenne.
Return to: Division of Victim Services, 320 W. 25th Street, 2nd Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002.
Phone 307-777-7200
Show the law for this line: Wyoming DVS Crime Victim Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
Wyoming DVS Crime Victim Compensation Frequently Asked QuestionsWY-S3
The program's own page, saved by Tend.
If you need money soon
The division can make an emergency award of up to $1,000 before a hearing if waiting would cause undue hardship. It is subtracted from the final award.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-111(b)
W.S. 1-40-111(b)WY-EMER-1
The amount of an emergency award to an applicant shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
Good to know before you apply
A victim cannot be denied compensation just because they do not live in Wyoming.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-106(b)(ii)
W.S. 1-40-106(b)(ii)WY-RES-1
He is not a resident of the state.
A Wyoming resident hurt by a crime in another state is covered only if that state has no crime victim compensation program and the crime would be covered in Wyoming.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-102(a)(ix)(B)(II)
W.S. 1-40-102(a)(ix)(B)(II)WY-RES-2
The crime occurred in a state which does not have a crime victim compensation program
Compensation is the payer of last resort: it pays after all other sources. Having another source of income does not by itself disqualify an applicant.
Show the law for this line: W.S. 1-40-110(d)
W.S. 1-40-110(d)WY-COL-1
Payment made in accordance with this section shall be considered payment of last resort that follows all other sources and is provided subsequent to all other benefits.
Insurance and other sources must be used first. If they do not pay the whole amount, compensation may cover what is left.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation FAQ, Insurance or Another Source
WY DVS Compensation FAQ, Insurance or Another SourceWY-COL-2
If the collateral source does not pay the entire amount, then you may be eligible to be compensated for what was not covered.
Crowdfunding raised for a victim (such as GoFundMe) and Indian Health Services are not counted as collateral sources.
Show the law for this line: WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), NOT considered Collateral Sources
WY DVS Compensation Guidelines and Policy (eff. Jan 1, 2025), NOT considered Collateral SourcesWY-COL-3
Indian Health Services Crowd-sourced funding on behalf of a victim (ex. Go Fund Me, etc.)
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If you're Jane Doe in Wyoming: you can ask for up to $15,000, and you should never get a bill for a forensic exam.
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