Victim Advocacy

Jonathan McDougall and Nichole Sullivan also represent those involved as witnesses and victims in the criminal justice system, ensuring their concerns and protecting their rights. They understand the stress and anxiety associated with those victimized by criminal acts.

Jonathan McDougall frequently represents those victimized by criminal acts of others in civil lawsuits, and has associated with civil law firms to aggressively pursue financial compensation.

Jonathan McDougall and Nichole Sullivan offer victims information, emotional support, help finding resources, and discuss options regarding civil lawsuits. Mr. McDougall will often appear in court with witnesses and victims to address the judge or provide legal advice. In some cases, victims and witnesses disagree with the actions of criminal prosecutors. Mr. McDougall often then advocates on behalf of the victims with the prosecutors or the judges to insure their rights are protected.

Often, victims suffer physical injuries and financial losses as a result of the criminal acts of others. There are many resources available to victims to be reimbursed or compensated for their losses. The law in California provides that:

(a) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that a victim of crime who incurs an economic loss as a result of the commission of a crime shall receive restitution directly from a defendant convicted of that crime.
(2) Upon a person being convicted of a crime in the State of California, the court shall order the defendant to pay a fine in the form of a penalty assessment in accordance with Section 1464.
(3) The court, in addition to any other penalty provided or imposed under the law, shall order the defendant to pay both of the following:
(A) A restitution fine in accordance with subdivision (b).
(B) Restitution to the victim or victims, if any, in accordance with subdivision (f), which shall be enforceable as if the order were a civil judgment.