An International Organization Of Law Enforcement Professionals: Established in 1986

Rights of Crime Victims

 

A victim of a crime has the following rights:

1. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.

2. The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused.

3. The right no to be excluded from any such public court proceeding unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that the testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding.

4. The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole hearing.

5. The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case.

6. The right to full and timely restitution as provided by law.

7. The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

8. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.

As a crime victim, you can seek the advice of an attorney with respect to these rights.

 

This law is effective October 30, 2004.  If you have any questions regarding your rights as a crime victim, please call the Victim Witness Unit at the United States Attorney's Office at 1-800-680-8949.

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