(Lake County, IL) Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart and Chief of Victim Services, Jacqueline Herrera Giron, along with the Victim Services Division, were presented with Champion of Victims’ Rights awards from Marsy's Law for Illinois for their outstanding commitment and professional excellence in advocating for, and delivering on, victims’ rights for victims of violent crime in Lake County. Marsy's Law views the Lake County States Attorney's office as a model of victims’ rights enforcement and support in Illinois. 

Notably, after the mass shooting at the Highland Park Parade in 2022, his office immediately geared up in direct and effective victim services for all involved. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office (LCSAO) was victim focused from the first moment of the tragedy and remains so, now still years later. 

Notably, the LCSAO office annually leads the largest event in Illinois to educate the public and service providers about victims' rights and services during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. He has highlighted in panels and trainings Illinois’ crime victims’ rights constitutional amendment, known as Marsy's Law for Illinois, which was adopted just over ten years ago. Marsy’s Law for Illinois expanded victims’ rights and made them legally enforceable. State's Attorney Rinehart articulated his commitment to these rights repeatedly and made them a centerpiece for his office. 

The LCSAO has been distinguished for their attention to the problems of domestic violence victims in particular. His website features a page devoted to victim feedback for his office. He also partners proactively with victim service provider New Horizons to address victim trauma issues.

“Eric Rinehart and Jackie Herrera Giron embody everything a victim would want from a prosecutor's office,” said Jennifer Bishop Jenkins, state director for Marsy's Law for Illinois. “They are compassionate, considerate, and committed to ensuring crime victims have access to their rights under Marsy’s Law. They are truly ‘Champions of Victims Rights’ in every way.”

State’s Attorney Rinehart said: “I am so honored to be recognized by one of the leading groups that has been changing the national conversation around victims’ rights. Every hour the men and women of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office work innovatively and urgently to address trauma that is caused by crime. We remain dedicated to lifting up and following the Illinois Victim’s Bill of Rights, connecting victims to support services, and navigating victims through the court process. We will never stop doing everything we can to ensure victims see justice in the courtrooms and long-term safety in all communities.”

Chief of Victim Services Jacqueline Herrera Giron said: “Marsy's law elevated victims' voices by adding critical protections and ensuring their participation in the judicial process. This vital work continues through the vision and dedication of leaders who prioritize victims’ rights and invest in creating a victim-focused environment guided by a victim-centered approach. Their ongoing efforts and constant advocacy help ensure that victims' voices and rights remain at the forefront.”

Our office remains committed to raising awareness on victims' rights and standing with every survivor. For more information on the LCSAO Victim Services Division, please visit: lcsao.org/VictimAssistance