Jeffrey Dion

An experienced attorney and dedicated crusader for victims' rights, Mr. Jeff Dion is the Director of The National Crime Victim Bar Association (NCVBA). The organization, which is a division of the National Center for Victims of Crime, endeavors to foster a greater understanding of the civil rights afforded to crime victims and to provide legal assistance to attorneys representing victims in civil court. In his directorial position, Jeff Dion lectures throughout the United States on ways to increase dialogue between crime victims and prosecutors on issues of victims' rights.

Jeff Dion's mission to advocate on behalf of victims' rights began at the age of 14 following the murder of his 23-year old sister, Paulette. Jeff's personal experience navigating the criminal justice system and his own grief led him to dedicate his future career to helping other victims of crime find peace in their life through the civil court system. Through his advocacy efforts, Jeff Dion successfully spearheaded the establishment of 13 victims' rights bills. The legislation Jeff Dion helped pass included the right of a victim to be present in the courtroom, the right to offer oral impact testimony at sentencing, and the right to confer with the prosecutor. Jeff Dion was also responsible for expanding the legal definition of the term "victim," increasing protection for victims of criminal stalking and expanding the civil statutes on the limitations of victims' rights.

Over the course of his career, Jeff Dion has received a number of awards for his work, including the 2006 United States Department of Justice Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award, the 2005 Northern Virginia Victim Assistance Coalition Champion Award, and the 2003 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Victim Assistance Award. Jeff Dion has also been distinguished with the 2005 Diamond Award and the 2005 Florida Justice Association "Allies for Justice" Award, as well as been a two-time recipient of the Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime Award for Outstanding Service in the Area of Crime Victim Legislation.

Provide strategic leadership and operational management for the National Crime Victim Bar Association, which seeks to integrate an increased awareness of the civil remedies available to victims of crime into the criminal justice system and to provide technical assistance to attorneys representing victims in civil actions. Forge collaborative relationships with allied organizations on a state and national level. Counsel crime victims on the rights and remedies available to them. Often described as an inspiring and motivational speaker; in high demand as a keynote speaker and seminar instructor to train attorneys, victim service providers, mental health providers, judges, law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals across the nation (thirty seven states to date) on issues related to victimization.

Responsible for all aspects of civil litigation in a predominantly defense-oriented practice. Served as outside counsel to the Office of the Virginia Attorney General, and in that capacity represented sheriffs, local governments, and other constitutional officers in defense of civil claims.

Appointed by Governor L. Douglas Wilder to work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Attorney General on major litigation and public policy issues. Conducted legal and factual research. Assisted in the preparation of pleadings and briefs, and development of cases for trial. Assisted in drafting official opinions of the Attorney General.

Proficient in public policy, funding and service-delivery issues related to homicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking (including the use of technology to stalk), identity theft, child sexual abuse, elder abuse, mass trauma arising from terrorism, victim compensation, restitution, and victimization in special needs populations.

National Association to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Children, Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Service of Prince William Inc., Appointed by Gov. Warner and reappointed by Gov. Kaine to the Virginia Criminal Justice Services Board , 2002-present Chairman, Victim Witness Issues Subcommittee 2003-present, Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Community Advisory Board, 1996-2000 Vice Chair, 1998-2000 Antietam Woods Condo. Assn., 2003-present Vice President, 2003-2006 President, 2006-present President, Amberleigh Homeowners Assn.,1995- 2000 PTA Volunteer, Antietam Elementary School Chairman, Muffins with Mom, 2006 ACTS Volunteer Fairfax Non-Motorized Transportation Committee, 1995-1996 Borromeo Housing, a long-term transitional housing program for young, homeless mothers and their children, Board of Directors, 1994-1998 Equality Virginia, Equality Prince William Legislative Assistant to Delegate Toddy Puller, 1992 Governor's Fellow, Office of the Virginia Attorney General, 1991 Legal Intern, Arlington Commonwealth's Attorney, 1993 Judicial Law Clerk, Judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit 1994-1996

Jeff Dion, Jeffrey Dion, Jeffrey R. Dion, Jeffrey, Jeff, Dion, R., National Center for Victims of Crime, Director