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1. What do I do if I have been the victim of a crime?

Contact the police immediately. The sooner the police can begin their investigation and start gathering evidence, the greater the chance the crime will be solved and the offender will be brought to justice. The Henry County State's Attorney's Office will not consider a case for prosecution unless it has been reported to and investigated by the police.

You may also file a complaint (PDF) directly with the SAO office. Please mail the completed form to the Henry County State's Attorney office at 307 W Center Street, Cambridge, IL, 61238 and you will be contacted as soon as your complaint has been reviewed.

2. What happens after I report a crime to the police?

The police will investigate your complaint to determine if there is sufficient evidence to make an arrest. This includes taking statements from you, any witnesses, and the accused if he or she wishes to make a statement. Every person has a constitutional right to refuse to make any statement to the police that might incriminate him or her. The police will also collect any physical evidence found at the scene of the crime. This may result in the police making an immediate arrest or, if the police are not sure whether or not there is sufficient evidence to make an arrest, they will contact the State's Attorney's Office to seek a legal opinion.

3. What happens after the police make an arrest or refer the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office?

An attorney will review the case to determine if there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges and you will be notified of our decision. If criminal charges are filed the defendant will either be sent a notice to appear in court or an arrest warrant will be issued. If criminal charges are filed our Victim/Witness Coordinator will keep you informed of the status of the case.

4. Can the State’s Attorney’s Office represent me in a civil matter?

No. The State's Attorney's Office represents the Henry County government and its elected officials and employees, but we cannot represent individuals in private civil matters. Private civil matters include landlord/tenant disputes, the failure of someone to pay you money they owe you, child custody disputes, and property damaged by accident (as opposed to property damaged intentionally).

5. What is an Order of Protection and how do I apply for one?

An Order of Protection, sometimes referred to as a restraining order, is a court order that protects a family or household member from abuse, harassment or intimidation by another family or household member. Family or household member includes people related by blood or marriage, people who share or formerly shared a common dwelling, people who have a child in common, people who have or have had a dating relationship, and certain people who care for the elderly or disabled. It does not include friends, neighbors, or classmates. To see if you are eligible or for assistance in obtaining an Order of Protection call Freedom House at 800-474-6031 or at the Kewanee office at 309-852-4008. If no one is available to assist you call the State's Attorney's Office at 309-937-3582.

6. What is a Civil No Contact Order and how do I apply for one?

A Civil No Contact Order is a court order that requires a sex offender to stay away from his or her victim. It is similar to an Order of Protection, but you can obtain a Civil No Contact Order against anyone who sexually abuses you, even if the sex offender is a complete stranger. To see if you are eligible or for assistance in obtaining a Civil No Contact Order call Freedom House at 800-474-6031 or at the Kewanee office at 309-852-4008. If no one is available to assist you call the State's Attorney's Office at 309-937-3582.