Victim and Witness Rights

RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED OF:

  • Victims' rights. 
  • Content of any plea bargain agreements. 
  • Changes in the schedule of court proceedings, including the date, time and place of sentencing. 
  • Final disposition of the case. 
  • Transfer of the offender from prison or custodial institution. 
  • Escape and apprehension of the offender from prison or custodial institution. 

RIGHT TO PROTECTION FROM HARM.

  • Tampering with a witness is a crime in Minnesota. 
  • Victim/witnesses do not have to give their addresses in open court. 
  • Victims have the right to a secure waiting area during court. 
  • Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court. 

RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PROSECUTION.

  • Right to inform court of impact of crime at the sentencing hearing. 
  • Right to have input in a pre-trial diversion program decision. 
  • Right to request a speedy trial. 
  • Right to bring a supportive person to the pre-trial. 
  • Right to object to proposed disposition or sentence. 
  • Right to object to plea agreement. 
  • Right to attend the sentencing hearing. 

RIGHT TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

  • Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the start if they have suffered economic loss as a result of a violent crime. 

  • Victims can request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution.
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