Victim and Witness Rights

Victims' Rights

As a Victim, you have the right:

To be Notified of:

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.

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.

To Participate in the Prosecution:

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

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.

Victim Resources:

Domestic Abuse Intervention Program

FirstWitness Child Abuse Resource Center

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse

Minnesota Office of Justice - Help for Crime Victims

Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

National Crime Victim Center

NOVA Center for Crime Victims Services

Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault

Range Women's Advocates

Safe Haven Shelter for Battered Women