YOUR RIGHTS AS A VICTIM OF A VRA CRIME

  • To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity;
  • To be informed of all "critical stages" of the criminal justice process (victims must request notification, in writing, for post-sentencing critical stages);
  • To be present at specified critical stages in the criminal justice process;
  • To be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse;
  • To be informed about what steps can be taken if there is any intimidation or harassment by a person accused or convicted of a crime or any acting on that person's behalf;
  • To be present and heard regarding bond reduction or modification, acceptance of a plea agreement, sentencing or modification of a sentence;
  • To consult with the district attorney prior to any disposition of the case or before the case goes to trial and to be informed of the final disposition of the case;
  • To be informed of the status of the case and any scheduling changes or cancellations, if known in advance;
  • To prepare a victim impact statement and to be present and/or heard at the sentencing hearing;
  • To have the court determine restitution and to be informed of the right to pursue a civil judgment against the person convicted of the crime;
  • To prevent any party at any court proceeding from compelling testimony regarding a victim's address, telephone nuymber, place of employment, or other locating information;
  • To receive a prompt return of property when it is no longer needed as evidence;
  • To be informed of the availability of financial assistance and community services;
  • To be provided with appropriate employer intercession services regarding court appearances and meetings with criminal justice officials;
  • To be assured that in any criminal proceeding the court, the prosecutor, and other law enforcement officials will take appropriate action to achieve a swift and fair resolution of the proceedings;
  • Whenever practicable, to provide a safe, secure waiting area during court proceedings;
  • To be notified of the referral of an offender to community corrections and to provide a written victim impact statement to the community corrections board and, if permitted by the board, to provide an oral victim impact statement;
  • Upon written request, to be informed when a person accused or convicted of a crime is released from custody other than the county jail, is paroled, escapes or absconds from probation or parole;
  • The right to be informed of the filing of a petition to cease sex offender registration;
  • Upon request, to be informed when a person who is accused or convicted of a crime is released from the custody of the county jail;
  • Upon written request, to be informed of and heard regarding any reconsideration of a sentence, parole, or commutation of sentence hearing;
  • Upon written request, to be informed when a person convicted of a crime against the victim is placed in or transferred to a less secure correctional facility or program or is permanently or conditionally transferred or released from any state hospital;
  • The right, at the discretion of the district attorney, to view all or a portion of the presentence report of the probation department;
  • To be informed of the results of any court-ordered HIV testing;
  • To be informed of any rights whichthe victim has pursuant to the Constitution fo the United States or the State of Colorado; and
  • To be informed of the process for enforcing compliance with the Victim Rights Act.