Your Rights as a Victim / Witness

• THE RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED Of:
  • Plea Agreements
  • Changes in court schedules, date, time and place of sentencing
  • Release of offender from prison or institution. You must request such notification from the Commissioner of Corrections, or the administration of prison or institution
  • Victim rights
• THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PROSECUTION:
  • Right to inform court of impact of crime at pre-trial hearing and sentencing
  • Right to have input in pre-trial diversion program
  • Right to object to plea agreement
  • Right to request speedy trial
  • Right to bring supportive person to pre-trial hearing
  • Right to attend sentencing
  • Right to give written objections to sentencing
• THE RIGHT TO PROTECTION:
  • Tampering with a witness is against Minnesota Law
  • Witnesses do not have to state their addresses in court
  • Victims have the right to a separate, secure waiting area during court
  • Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court
• EXPECTATIONS:
  • To receive support and accurate information
  • To be free from intimidation
  • To be assisted by your criminal justice agencies
  • To have minimized your time and inconvenience as a victim or witness
  • To be told about available compensation for court appearances
  • To be told about available help from Social Services or volunteer groups
• FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
  • Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the State if they have suffered economic loss.
  • Victims may request restitution (monies which the offender may be ordered to pay as part of his or per penalty).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, Please contact the Chisago County Victim Witness Department at 651-213-8400