If you are the victim of a crime, you have certain rights under the law.
If you are the victim of a crime, you have the RIGHT to be notified of:
- Plea bargain agreements
- Changes in court schedules, date, time and place of sentencing
- Final disposition of criminal case
- Transfer of offender to less secure correctional facility
- Release of offender from prison or institution
- Escape and apprehension of offender from prison or institution
- Your rights as a victim
If you are the victim of a crime, you have the RIGHT to participate in prosecution, which includes the ability to:
- Inform court of impact of crime at pretrial and sentencing
- Have input in pre-trial diversion program
- Object to plea bargain
- Request a speedy trial
- Bring a supportive person to any pretrial hearing
- Attend the sentencing hearing
- Write down your objections to the sentence and give them to the court
If you are the victim of a crime, and called to testify in court, you have the RIGHT to protection from harm, which means that:
- Tampering with a witness is against Minnesota law and can be reported to the police
- Witnesses do not have to give their addresses in court
- Victims have the right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings
- Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court
- A convicted sex offender can be required to take an HIV test
If you are the victim of a crime, you have the RIGHT to apply for financial assistance:
- Victims who have suffered economic loss may be eligible for financial assistance from the state
- Victims may request of the court that restitution be paid by the person or persons who are convicted of causing the harm
If you are a witness in a criminal prosecution, you play an important role in seeing that justice is done. Many of those called to testify are unfamiliar with the court system and how it works, and may be anxious about testifying, or may not understand what to do. Please look at the What’s Next: A brief description of the criminal court process for victims and witnesses link for some suggestions that might make things easier.