Victims Services

Emergency: Call 9-1-1

Non-Emergency: (509) 634-2472

Physical Address: 28 Okanogan St., Nespelem, WA 99155

Mailing address: PO Box 617, Nespelem, WA 99155

Public Defender Office

Nespelem (509) 634-2450

The Office of the Tribal Public Defender for the Colville Confederated Tribes is one of the few dedicated criminal defense offices in Indian Country.  Neither the Indian Civil Rights Act nor the Colville Civil Rights Act require the tribes to pay for members to be represented, however the Colville Business Council has chosen to do so to better serve the membership.

Under Colville Tribal Code §2-1-100 the Tribal Public Defender’s Office shall be appointed to represent all indigent criminal defendants who request counsel.  In two circumstances:

1] When the Tribes charge a member with a crime; or
2] The Tribes take legal action to remove children from their homes.

The office can be reached by calling (509) 634-2450. 

Both the Colville Tribal Police Department and the Corrections Facility have the ability to contact us after-hours.

Office of the Prosecuting Attorney

Nespelem (509) 634-2450

Victim’s Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA) 42 U.S.C. § 10607

Pursuant to VRRA 42 U.S.C. § 10607 victims’ of a crime shall be afforded the following services upon requests:

  • Reasonable protection from a suspected offender or persons acting in concert with or at the behest of the offender

  • Information concerning the status and general information about case development of the investigation, to the extent that it is appropriate and will not interfere with the investigation

  • Information regarding where they may receive emergency medical or social services

  • Assistance in contracting persons responsible for providing services and relief

  • Notification of the arrest or release of a suspected offender

  • Notification of court proceedings

  • Assistance in notifying the employer of the victim or witness if cooperation in the investigation of the crime causes his or her absence from work

  • Any property that is being held for evidentiary purposes is maintained in good condition as soon as it is no longer needed

If you are a victim of a crime

We want to provide you with a better understanding of how the Federal criminal justice system works. Included is a description of your rights under Federal law plus information and resources available to you as a victim of crime.

Your BIA Victim Specialist or case agent may provide additional information, resources, and referrals to help make this process easier for you

The Investigation

During the investigation, you will be kept informed of the status of your case, if you so request. Criminal investigations can be both complex and lengthy, and can involve several federal and local agencies. Your interests are important to us, as is your cooperation and assistance with your case. Your case agent will remain your principal contact throughout the process. We encourage you to contact him or her if you have any questions.

Victim Information

As federal law enforcement and victim service professionals, we are concerned about the effects often experienced by victims of crime. We know that most people have at least some reaction to having been involved in a crime-anger, confusion, and fear are some of those responses. Other physical and emotional reactions may include:

Physical: Shock, lack of energy, eating or sleeping difficulties, nausea, anxiety, sweating, rapid breathing, muscle tension, increased heart rate, headaches, and nightmares.

Emotional: Disbelief, shame, denial, depression, questioning of faith, sorrow, feeling powerless.

These reactions are normal and may eventually subside.

When to seek additional Help

  • When your emotions feel dull or numb

  • When you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or thoughts of harming yourself

  • When you cannot sleep for long periods of time

  • When you feel these reactions are interfering with your life functioning

    If you feel overwhelmed by what has happened, now is the time to seek the help you need

If you have suffered Financial Loss

If you have suffered a financial loss such as medical bills, counseling costs or funeral expenses, Crive Victims Compensation may be able to assist. For more information, contact your BIA Victim Specialist or visit https://ovc.ojp.gov. Victim Assistance Indian Affairs: https://www.bia.gov/bia/ojs/victim-assistance or Partners in Justice, Bureau of Indian Affairs Victim Specialists: https://ovc.ojp.gov/library/publications/partners-justice-bureau-indian-affairs-victim-specialists. Also if prosecution takes place and there is a conviction, the judge will consider restitution at the time of sentencing. Restitution is a court-ordered payment paid to you by the offender for out-of-pocket expenses caused by the crime.

If You Are Threatened or Harassed

If you are being threatened or harassed because of your cooperation with the investigation, contact your case agent immediately to discuss protective measures. It is a violation of federal law to threaten, harass or intimidate victims or witnesses of a crime.

If Property Was Stolen

We hope to recover property, and if so, we will make every effort to see that is returned to you as quickly as possible. In cases where the property is needed as evidence, it will be safeguarded until released for return.

BIA National Victim Assistance Program (NVAP)

The BIA Office of Justice Services established this victim services program specifically for victims located within Indian country. This program was created in part due to the unique challenges encountered when crimes occur in Indian country and to help fill the gap between Federal and Tribal court systems.

The BIA National Victim Assistance Program can offer direct services to victims, including crises intervention, referrals and information for mental and emotional health and other types of specialized responses, provide emergency services and transportation, and follow up for additional assistance. We may also provide an explanation of the investigative process, court accompaniment and support as needed.

The Mission of the Office of Justice Services:

To provide justice services and technical assistance to federally recognized Indian tribes and communities, and to respect and protect sovereignty through the promotion of self-determination.