Victim Information

Victim's Rights

As a victim of a crime, you have the following rights:

• To be treated with fairness, respect, dignity, and privacy throughout the criminal justice process;
• Permitted to be present at all criminal justice proceedings;
• Entitled to a timely disposition of the case;
• Provide prior notification of trial court, appellate and parole proceedings and, upon request, provide information about the sentence, incarceration or release of the defendant;
• Heard, upon request, at all criminal justice proceedings considering a plea of guilty, sentencing, incarceration or release of the defendant unless manifest injustice would result;
• To be informed of a possible plea agreement by the prosecuting attorney prior to entry into that agreement in a criminal or juvenile offenses involving crimes of violence, sex crimes, or crimes against children;
• Allowed to refuse an interview, ex-parte contract or other requests by the defendant or any other person acting on behalf of the defendant, unless such request is authorized by law;
• Consulted by the presentence investigator during the preparation of the presentence report and shall be allowed to read the report prior to the sentencing hearing.
• Assured the expeditious return of any stolen or other personal property by law enforcement agencies when no longer needed as evidence;
• Notified whenever the defendant or suspect is released or escapes from custody.

After a complaint is filed, you will receive  a Victim's Rights Notification Form in the mail. In order to be awarded these rights, you must promptly complete the form and return it to the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office.