Protection For Victims
The rights of victims are governed by two main laws: the Victim’s Rights and Restitution Act and the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. These laws, implemented in the 90s and early 00s, create a framework that protects victims’ rights.
Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA)
The VRRA was first implemented in 1990 and awarded a number of rights to victims of a criminal act. The rights afforded by the VRRA are:
- To be informed of the place where they may receive medical and social services
- To be informed of public and private programs available for counseling, treatment, and other support services
- To receive reasonable protection from a suspected offender and persons acting in concert with or at the behest of the suspected offender
- To know the status of the investigation of the crime, to the extent it is appropriate and will not interfere with the investigation
- To have personal property being held for evidentiary purposes maintained in good condition and returned as soon as it is no longer needed for evidentiary purposes
These rights were later expanded but initially were created to give rights and benefits to victims of crimes.
Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA)
The CVRA is an expansion to the VRRA put into effect in 2004. The CVRA grants additional rights including:
- The right to be reasonably protected from the accused
- 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
- 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
- The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding
- The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the government in the case
- The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law
- The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay
- The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy
- The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement
- The right to be informed of the rights under this section and the services described in section 503(c) of the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. § 20141(c)) and provided contact information for the Office of the Victims' Rights Ombudsman of the Department of Justice.
These rights are intended to promote proactive defense of the victim of a crime as opposed to simply informing the victim of their rights and resources available.
Getting The Protection You Need and The Justice You Deserve
If you are in an unsafe situation and you need the protection of a restraining order, you will need the help of an experienced sexual assault attorney. A sexual assault attorney is able to focus completely on your case and get you the best possible outcome.
In order to achieve this best outcome, however, you will need an attorney who has the expertise and resources to take your case all the way. That’s why you should contact Attorney at Law. By partnering with AAL, you will be able to avoid slogging through the quagmire of unscrupulous lawyers looking to exploit your case.
At AAL, we only partner with the best firms in your area, helping you find the best attorney for your case. Don’t wait, contact AAL today to be matched with skilled and experienced attorneys in your area who practice sexual assault law.
