What is Rhode Island crime victim compensation?
the Rhode Island Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP) is administered by the Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer. It is a government program that helps victims of violent crime — and certain family members — with the out-of-pocket costs a crime leaves behind. It is a payer of last resort: it covers expenses not paid by insurance or other sources, and it does not require you to prove that anyone was at fault.
How much can you receive?
The program pays up to $25,000 per claim. It typically helps with:
- Medical and dental care
- Mental-health counseling
- Loss of earnings and support
- Funeral and burial costs
- Relocation costs
Who is eligible?
You must be a victim of a violent crime, report it within 15 days (exceptions for minors, sexual-assault, and domestic-violence victims), cooperate with law enforcement, and file within three years.
Deadlines that matter
- Report the crime: within 15 days.
- Apply: within 3 years of the crime (exceptions may apply, especially for minors).
Because deadlines and rules can change, confirm the current requirements with the Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer or with a lawyer.
Compensation vs. a civil lawsuit — the difference that matters
Compensation is vital, immediate help, but it is capped at $25,000 and only covers certain costs. If your injury was caused by a crime that a property owner could have prevented with reasonable security, you may also have a civil negligent-security claim — a separate case that can recover the full cost of your medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, with no such cap. Many victims pursue both. The Haggard Law Firm can review whether you have a civil claim, free.
How we handle a Rhode Island case — working with local counsel
The Haggard Law Firm is based in Coral Gables, Florida, and Michael A. Haggard is licensed to practice law in Florida. Mr. Haggard is not licensed in Rhode Island. Negligent security and crime-victim litigation is the firm’s core focus, and because of the national reputation the firm has built in this specific area, Mr. Haggard regularly works on Rhode Island cases as co-counsel with a locally licensed Rhode Island attorney, seeking admission pro hac vice (for the individual case) where the court’s rules permit. Any Rhode Island matter would be handled together with local counsel admitted in Rhode Island.
If you were shot, stabbed, or lost a loved one to a preventable crime in Rhode Island, you can still reach out to us directly. We will review your case for free and, where appropriate, associate with a qualified Rhode Island attorney to pursue it.
This page is attorney advertising and general information only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Michael A. Haggard is licensed in Florida. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Rhode Island crime victim compensation pay?
Up to $25,000 per claim, covering costs like medical care, counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses not paid by insurance.
What is the deadline to apply in Rhode Island?
You generally must report the crime to police within 15 days and file your application within 3 years of the crime. Exceptions sometimes apply, so confirm your specific deadline.
Can I get compensation and also sue?
Often yes. Compensation is a capped government fund; a civil negligent-security lawsuit against a negligent property owner is separate and can recover far more. A free case review will tell you whether you have a civil claim.
Is Michael Haggard licensed to practice in Rhode Island?
Mr. Haggard is licensed in Florida, not in Rhode Island. Because negligent-security litigation is his firm's core focus and the firm has a national profile in these cases, he regularly serves as co-counsel with a locally licensed Rhode Island attorney and, where the court permits, appears pro hac vice for the individual case. You can contact the firm directly, and where appropriate it will associate with qualified local counsel in Rhode Island.