Rights of Crime Victims

18 U.S.C. 3771 (e)

A victim of a crime has the following rights:

1. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused .

2. The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused.

3. The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding.

4. The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding.

5. The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case.

6. The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law.

7. The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

8. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.

As a crime victim, you can seek the advice of an attorney with respect to these rights.

This law is effective October 30, 2004. If you have any questions regarding your rights as a crime victim, please call the Victim Witness Unit at the United States Attorney's Office at 1-800-680-8949 or 414-297-4100.

United States Attorney’s Office Role: Our role as employees of the United States Attorney’s Office is to inform you of your rights, explain the Federal criminal justice process and to provide you with notification of events in the pending criminal matter. We cannot give you legal representation and none of our actions on your behalf constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please be advised that the interests of the United States may occasionally diverge from your interests as a victim.

Additional Information: You may at any time seek the advice of a private attorney concerning these rights at your own expense and discretion. This office cannot provide legal advice or representation. The Government is not your personal attorney.