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.