LEGAL INFORMATION

Crime Victims’ Rights
You have the right not to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be listened to with dignity, compassion and respect.
You have the right to be informed of your rights as a victim of crime.
You have the right to be present at criminal justice proceedings.
You have the right to receive information about your case.
You have the right to protective measures that enhance your safety.
You have the right to available crime victim services.

You Have Rights
Most states have amended their constitutions to guarantee certain fundamental rights for crime victims. Typically, these include the following:

• The right to be notified of all court proceedings related to the offense
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
• The right to have input at sentencing (e.g., in the form of a victim impact statement).
• The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.
• The right to an order of restitution from the convicted offender.
• The right to be notified of these rights.

If you are a victim of a crime, these rights apply to you. You may obtain information about these rights through your local victim/witness assistance program (usually located in the prosecutor's office), your State Attorney General's Office or U.S. Attorney's Office.

Web Sites for Legal Contacts & Information
http://www.friendsofmarsyslaw.org/

http://www.ocbar.org/

http://www.calbar.ca.gov/

http://www.ocgov.com/da/

http://caag.state.ca.us/

http://www.ca-legalhelpcenter.org/

http://www.findlaw.com/

http://www.trynova.org/