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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.