Victim & Witness Rights

Crime victims have rights to protection from harm, to participate in the prosecution process, to request restitution, to seek help, and more.  Email the Victim & Witness Advocacy office if you need help at Victim.Advocacy@Chippewa.MN.

The Right to Be Notified

• Changes in the schedule of court proceedings, including the date, time, and place of sentencing
• The content of any plea bargain agreements
• Final disposition of the case
• The offender's release, transfer to a minimum security setting, or reduction in custody status
• Victims' rights

The Right to Participate in Prosecution

• Right to attend the sentencing hearing
• Right to bring a supportive person to the pre-trial hearing
• Right to have input in the pre-trial diversion program
• Right to inform the court of the impact of crime at the sentencing hearing
• Right to object to a plea agreement
• Right to object to a proposed disposition or sentence
• Right to request a speedy trial
• Right to submit an oral or written statement about the impact of the crime, and recommendations at the parole hearing of certain offenders.

The Right to Protection from Harm

• Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court.
• Tampering with a witness is against Minnesota law.
• Victims have the right to a secure waiting area during court.
• Victims/Witnesses do not have to give their addresses in open court.

The Right to Apply for Financial Assistance

• Victims can request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution.
• Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the state if they have suffered economic loss as the result of a violent crime.
• Victims of certain violent crimes may request the convicted offender submit to testing for the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
• Victims of domestic assault and harassment have a right to receive notification from the prosecutor if a decision is made not to prosecute, or if the charges against the defendant are dismissed. If dismissed, a record must be made of the specific reasons for dismissal.