Crime Victim Rights
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Our office ensures your rights as a victim are fully protected. One of our advocates partners with you to help you understand your rights and remains with you through the entire process, from charging to sentencing.
As a crime victim, you have rights to the following items.
Notification
Crime victims have the right to be notified of the following:
- Content of any plea 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, transfer or escape of the offender from prison or custodial institution.
- Filing of a civil commitment petition and its outcome.
Protection
Crime victims have the right to be protected:
- Tampering with a witness is a crime in Minnesota.
- Victims/witnesses do not have to give their addresses in open court.
- Victims/witnesses 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.
- Victims/witnesses have the right to request law enforcement to withhold their identity from the public.
Participation
Crime victims have the right to participate in the prosecution process. They may:
- Inform the court of the impact of the crime at the sentencing hearing.
- Inform the court of the social and economic impacts of the crime on persons and businesses operating in the community at the sentencing hearing.
- Have input in a pre-trial diversion program decision.
- Request a speedy trial.
- Bring a supportive person to the pre-trial hearing.
- Object to a plea agreement.
- Attend the plea and sentencing hearings.
- Request a probation review hearing.
- Be notified (if a victim of domestic assault, sexual assault or stalking) if a decision is made not to prosecute or if the charges are dismissed.
Financial assistance
You may apply for financial assistance from the state if you have suffered economic loss as a result of violent crime. Alternatively, you may request the court order the defendant to pay restitution for out-of-pocket losses resulting from the crime.