can victims of violent crimes get reimbursed for expenses of traveling to the court hearings of the accused?

Depends on the laws where you live.

Where I live we have what is called "the Victims Compensation Act" and yes, you would be re-imbursed for travel time, other expenses and missed work time due to greiving and court appearances if you made an application under the act. The governmental body will pay you not the accused. Where I live the restitution fines are places into this funds so there are no worries of trying to recoup from a loser in jail.

The man will most likely have to pay restitution but that means you could get $5 a month for the rest of your life. Talk to your local courthouse DA and ask what your options are, if they cant help - try asking your local newspaper to put a short story in and have them explain about travel expenses and have an account open at the bank that people can donate money to. You will be suprised, if I saw that in the paper I would gladly send some cash. I am very sorry for you loss, I know there is nothing anybody can say to help take the pain away but I really truly am sorry for you.

Many states have victim restitution funds. Whether you are entitled to anything depends on how your state's fund is administered. Ask the district attorney's office for information.