Know Your Rights as a Victim Stearns County Attorney
County Attorney: Janelle P. Kendall
Know Your Rights as a Victim: Minnesota Statutes 611A
Be Informed of Court Procedures
A Crime Victim has the right to be informed of . . .
- The content of any proposed settlement offer
- Any court schedule changes when subpoenaed or requested to testify
- The final disposition of a criminal case
- The Prosecutor's decision to decline prosecution of domestic assault or harassment
- The availability of protection orders
- Information regarding a defendant's appeal
Be Involved in Court Procedures
A Crime Victim has the right to . . .
- Present a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing
- Present objections to any settlement offers or proposed sentence
- Have input into pre-trial diversion decisions*
- Request reparations for medical expenses or harm as the result of a crime
- Request restitution for financial loss as part of the offender's sentence
- Request the prosecuting attorney to demand a speedy trial
- Request that the convicted violent crime offender submit to HIV testing*
- Present a statement to the court, if the defendant is requesting an expungement of the court records
Be Protected from Harm
A Crime Victim has the right to . . .
- Protection from threats or coercion from any person regarding their testimony
- A separate waiting area during court proceedings
- Protection from employer retaliation when required to testify or be present in court
- Request law enforcement to withhold access to public information identifying the victim
- Withhold a home or employment address, telephone number, or date of birth in court proceedings, unless court ordered
- Request notification of the offender's release or transfer while "in custody"
- Request notification of the offender's petition for expungement
* Applies to designated offenses