Do you need help requesting records for someone or for yourself?

Victims may not know they can ask for documents through the Public Information Coordinator’s (PIC) Office. The Texas Public Information Act is a law that gives people the right to ask for government records. The law makes sure the public has access to information that is not private or confidential.

Who can ask for records? 

Anyone can ask for records, under the Texas Public Information Act. However, not all records are available to the public. Some documents contain sensitive details, such as medical, financial, or legal information about victims, claimants and their families. This information is protected by law and will not be released, even sometimes to the victims.  

In addition, some sensitive information, that isn’t confidential, may be withheld in certain situations. The table below explains some types of records that are generally available.

Type of Record Available to Victim? Available to Public? Explanation 
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) records No No Protected under ACP law. Not shared with the public. 
Attorney-client communications No No Protected by law. Not shared with the public. 
Bank account or personal financial info No No Kept private and redacted from shared records. Not shared with the public 
Case status Yes Sometimes Victims can request non-confidential portions of their own claim file. The public may only receive redacted, on-private portions if applicable.  
Copies of CVC claim files (general documents) Yes Sometimes Victims can request non-confidential portions of their own claim file. The public may only receive redacted, on-private portions if applicable. 
Medical or mental health records Yes, if part of the CVC claim file and the victim or claimant is the requestor. No. Victims may receive their own claim-related documents, but private health information may be redacted if required by law. The public cannot access these records. 
Payments made by CVC Yes Sometimes  Victims may request and receive payment history on their own claim. The public may receive total payments made on a claim. 
Program policies and procedures Yes Yes Available through open records request. 
Offense reports Maybe Maybe Depends on the source and applicable confidentiality laws. Often redacted or withheld.  
Social Security numbers No No Private information. Redacted from records. 

Understanding the Open Records Request Process  

Steps to Request Open Records: 

  1. Write a request to the PIC Office.
  2. Include details like the CVC claim number, name, and birthdate. 
    For an example, see sample request for more information.
  3. Send the request through the OAG’s Public Information Request Center. 
    See Requesting Records from the OAG for other options to submit records requests.
  4. Wait for a response. Some information may be sent quickly, but other requests may take longer if a legal review is needed.
  5. Receive the records, if allowed by law. Some parts may be missing or redacted to protect privacy.  

Advocates, please help victims understand: 

  • What the Public Information Act is. (Download the Public Information Act Poster)
  • What information may or may not be shared.
  • How they can request records.
  • What to expect during the process.

Subpoena Requests

A subpoena is a legal document that requires someone to provide records, information, or appear in court. In some cases, prosecutors or attorneys representing victims may need to request records from the Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program using a subpoena.

Important: 
Legal staff cannot accept, or process subpoenas sent by email or fax. 

To be valid, all subpoenas must be properly served to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and routed to the CVC for a response. This means the subpoena must be delivered: 

  • In person
  • By a process server, or
  • By mail

Delivery Address: 
Office of the Attorney General 
Facilities Security Desk 
Price Daniel Building 
Attention: Crime Victim Services Division 
209 West 14th Street 
Austin, TX. 78701

Once received, the subpoena will be reviewed. A response will be sent using the requestor’s preferred delivery method. For more information please visit: Service of Subpoena.

Questions? 
We understand this process can be challenging for you and the people you support. Our commitment is to provide you the assistance you need to make it as simple as possible. 

If you have questions about available options, need help with an application, or would like guidance on any of the steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact us online
or
You can reach us by phone:
Mon. – Fri., 8:00am - 5:00pm CT
Toll Free: (800) 983-9933
In Austin: (512) 936-1200