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Victim/Witness Assistance
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Unfortunately almost all of us have either been a victim of a crime or know of someone who has been a crime victim. Our victim assistance program attempts to make what can otherwise be a very traumatic and unpleasant experience for victims a little bit easier to understand and get through. Some of the services we provide include referrals for counseling and support groups, crime victim compensation information, victim impact forms, orientation to the courtroom setting and accompanying victim's to court when requested to do so.
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The Michigan Crime Victim's Rights Act
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The Michigan Crime Victim's Rights Act
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Article I, Section 24 and the Michigan Crime Victim's Rights Act give crime victims the right to:
- be treated throughout the criminal justice process with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy
- timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused
- receive an explanation of court procedures
- reasonable protection from the accused throughout the criminal justice process, including having a waiting area separate from the defendant and the defendant's relatives and witnesses (if practical), and to receive an explanation of procedures to follow if threatened or intimidated by the defendant
- consult with the Prosecuting Attorney to give you views about the disposition of the case
You also have the right to notice of:
1) Emergency and medical services from the investigating police agency
2) The name of the person in the Prosecutor's Office with information about your case
3) All scheduled court proceedings, including sentencing
4) The defendant's release on bond or escape from custody while awaiting trial
5) The address and telephone number of the probation department that is preparing the pre-sentence investigation report, if one is ordered by the Judge.
6) Victims compensation benefits and the address of the Crime Victim's Compensation Board, and an explanation of eligibility requirements for compensation funds
7) Trial and other court proceedings that the accused has a right to attend (except possible sequestration during a trial before you testify)
You may also:
8) Confer with the prosecution before trial and before the jury is selected
9) make an oral statement to a pre-sentence investigator, or to have a written impact statement included in the pre-sentence report
10) Receive restitution
11) Receive information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused
12) receive an explanation of the appeal process, to advice if the defendant has been release on an appeal bond, to be advised of the time and place of appellate court proceedings and to be advised of the result of an appeal.
13) Finally, you have the right to the prompt return of your property taken during an investigation, except as otherwise provided by law.
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This page last updated on 2/14/2005.
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