Victims’ Rights

Basic rights include:

• To have an advocate present at your sexual assault exam, through the investigation process with the police, and during the trial process.
• To be notified about court dates where you are the victim of the offense.
• Speak with the prosecutor about the case.
• Access to information and the ability to apply for violent crime compensation program through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
• Have property returned by police if it is not evidence in the trial.
• Know the contents of any plea agreement and to tell the court, in person or in writing, your feelings about any plea agreement in the case.
• Provide a victim impact statement to the court after the defendant is convicted, but before the defendant is sentenced to tell the court and the defendant about how you were affected by the crime.
• At the time of sentencing, to ask for restitution from the Judge, which would require the defendant to pay for your expenses related to this crime.
• Be notified of the defendant’s release from prison.
• To not be dismissed or deprived of employment benefits for responding to a subpoena in a criminal case.
• Have a translator or interpreter if you do not understand English to advise of you these rights and to be present for hearings in which you receive a subpoena.

 

Crime Victim Compensation Fund

The Indiana Victim Compensation Program is a fund of last resort to financially compensate innocent victims who were injured as a result of a violent crime. In the case of death, dependent relatives may be eligible for compensation. Those who meet the eligibility requirements may receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages and other unforeseen costs related to the crime.

You are required to fill out an application. An advocate can help you apply.

You can also find out more at the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s website.