The Carbondale Police Department Victim Advocacy Program provides support and social services to victims and witnesses of crime. Services are provided primarily to victims of violent crimes occurring within the City. Emphasis is placed on victims of domestic violence and anyone subject to a crime over the age of 60.
The Advocate represents the Department on a number of community boards, including the Jackson County Family Violence Task Force, Mental Health Disaster Response Council and the First Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council. The Advocate conducts community education and in-house police training on victim issues.
You do not need an attorney to file petitions for Orders of Protection, Stalking No Contact Orders or Civil No Contact Orders. You may do so on your own or be assisted by the Advocate. There is no fee for filing these petitions. Any violation of an Order of Protection, Stalking No Contact Order or Civil No Contact Order should be reported to the police immediately.
In Jackson County Circuit Court, hearings for Orders of Protection, Stalking No Contact Orders and Civil No Contact Orders are held at 8:30 a.m., Monday to Friday, but the associated paperwork must be filed by 8:15 a.m. to be processed in court that day.