Frequently Asked Questions

The rules on victim impact statements and victims' rights can vary from state to state. Visit the VictimLaw and the National Crime Victim Law Institute websites for information. 

If you are experiencing problems with a State Victim Notification Everyday (VINE) system, please contact the State organization responsible for the system. To locate the appropriate contact, visit the VINELink site and select your state from the map.

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system allows crime victims across the country to obtain timely and reliable information about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders 24 hours a day—via phone, email, text message (SMS) or TTY device. Please visit the VineLink website to register.

Federal victim notification information is available on the U.S. Department of Justice's Victim Notification System (VNS) website. For additional information, visit the Victim Notification section of our website.

If you have not received your Victim Identification Number (VIN) and/or Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the federal Victim Notification System (VNS), please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or the U.S. Attorney's Office handling your case.

For additional information, please visit the Victim Notification System website and the Department of Justice's Victim Notification Program website.