Victim-Witness Service Director Honored

From the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office:

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is pleased to announce that Nichole Pasteris, the director of his Victim Witness Services Division, will be honored by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for her work on behalf of the victims of drunk driving crashes.

AAIM will present Pasteris, who has worked with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office for six years, its Outstanding Victim Witness Award. The organization presents the honor to advocates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to seeking justice and serving the needs of DUI crash victims and their families.

Pasteris will receive the award at AAIM’s Annual Benefit Gala Saturday at Medinah Banquets in Addison. She will be honored along with many prosecutors, police officers, victim advocates and AAIM supporters from throughout Illinois for their contributions in the fight against drunken driving.

As the director of State’s Attorney Glasgow’s Victim Witness Services Division, Pasteris and her team of advocates provide services, information and support to help crime victims navigate the complex criminal justice system while they struggle through the most traumatic experiences in their lives.

She has worked closely with AAIM over the years on many DUI cases, including one involving the death of a motorcycle rider who was killed by a driver convicted of driving under the influence of illegal opiates. She also was the advocate serving on a complicated case involving an intoxicated pedestrian who was lying in the street when he was killed by a drunk driver. AAIM honored Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Frank Byers at a past ceremony for his work on that case.

“Nichole is a dedicated professional who brings great warmth and compassion to her work on behalf of DUI victims,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “As an advocate, she always walks the extra mile to address the needs and concerns of those she serves. Working in partnership with AAIM has enabled Nichole to broaden the support we all provide to the victims of DUI crashes. I am extraordinarily pleased that AAIM has given her this recognition.”

Prior to accepting a position at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, Pasteris served as a counselor who worked directly with at-risk children for Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center in Joliet. She earned her master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and her bachelor’s degree in social work from Lewis University.

AAIM was founded as a grassroots organization in 1982 by victims of drunk driving in order to save lives on Illinois roadways. The annual benefit supports AAIM’s Victim Assistance Fund, which was created to help victims deal with the financial impacts of DUI crashes.