Crime Victim Rights

Notification

Right to be notified of:

• A 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.
• Any pending appeals by the defendant, including the right to attend the oral argument or hearing.
• Sentence modifications for the offender, including the date, time and location of the review.
• Release of the offender from prison or custodial institution.
• Transfer of the offender from prison or the institution.

Participation

Right to participate in the prosecution.

• Right to inform court of impact of the crime at the sentencing hearing.
• Right to inform court of social and economic impacts of the crime on persons and businesses operating in the community at the sentencing hearing.
• Right to have input in a pretrial diversion program decision.
• Right to request a speedy trial.
• Right to bring a supportive person to the pretrial hearing.
• Right to object to a proposed disposition or sentence.
• Right to object to a plea agreement.
• Right to attend the sentencing hearing.
• Right to request a probation review hearing.

Protection

Right to protection from harm.

• Tampering with a witness is a crime in Minnesota.
• Victims / 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 request law enforcement to withhold their identity from the public.

Application for Financial Assistance

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.