Filling a V.O.I.D. Victims Of Impaired Drivers

About the Program

In Missouri, 3 percent of all traffic crashes involves drinking. This statistic may seem insignificant — until you or someone you love becomes one. When that happens, it becomes evident that driving a vehicle or operating a watercraft while impaired is a serious and devastating crime.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to victims of DWI- and BWI-related (driving/boating while impaired) crashes through the Filling a V.O.I.D. (Victims Of Impaired Drivers) program. Officers and advocates often impact the long-term recovery of a victim by helping them and their families obtain assistance from victim service providers and other organizations during a traumatic time in their lives.

Important Things to Know

Our officers and civilian victim advocate work together to support victims of impaired drivers. Officers will:

• Contact you after the incident to explain the Filling a V.O.I.D. program.
• Provide support, information, and assistance to victims and their families.
• Refer you to the appropriate agency or the victim hotline if you have specific needs or require further information or service.

The Civilian Victim Advocate

An advocate is a supporter, defender, or someone who can intervene and mediate on someone else's behalf. Our civilian victim advocate will:

• Provide information and assistance regarding the criminal justice system and securing your rights as a crime victim.
• Provide information concerning your crash or case.
• Establish contact with the appropriate prosecuting attorney.
• Help you obtain copies of reports and information.
• Provide resources and services that are specific to your needs.

How Can Filling a V.O.I.D. Assist You?

1. Utilize the Filling a V.O.I.D. civilian victim advocate and resources on the MSHP's website under the V.O.I.D. link. The program is provided at no charge.
2. Find out what your rights are as a victim of a crime by contacting our hotline, website, or other victim service agencies.
3. Secure your rights. Send the appropriate prosecuting attorney a letter to be kept informed about your case. The law requires your request be in writing. A Letter To Secure Rights is provided on the MSHP's Filling a V.O.I.D. web page.
4. Contact the investigating officer to discuss any questions you may have regarding the crash.
5. Register for MOVANS (Missouri Victim Automated Notification System) to be informed of court dates, parole hearings, and offender custody status. Register at Missouri Case Net or by calling 1-866-566-8267.
6. Keep a record of all expenses related to the case. This information may be needed for the prosecutor to obtain restitution for you.

Who Is Eligible for Services?

Program services focus on victims of impairment related crashes; however, any crime victim may call the hotline for assistance. Victims include:

• Someone injured or killed by an impaired (alcohol or drugs) driver, their family members, and their minor children, or victims of vehicular injury, involuntary manslaughter, homicide, and similar acts.
• Passengers in a vehicle driven by an impaired driver.
• Children who are injured or killed in a vehicle driven by their impaired parent or caretaker.
• Pedestrians who have been involved in an impairment-related crash or their families.

After the Case Has Ended

As a victim of crime, you are entitled to information about the offender's custody status, parole hearings, hearing results, release to the community, escape, and death. This information can be obtained through MOVANS or by contacting:

Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services: (573) 526-6516

MSHP Headquarters

Contact