Crime Victim Services

A crime victim is defined as a person who incurs loss or harm as a result of a crime.  A victim includes the family member, guardian, or custodian of a minor, incompetent, or deceased person.  

The Victim/Witness Coordinator in the County Attorney's Office provides services to crime victims. Crime Victim Rights are set forth in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 611A.

Right to Be Informed

A crime victim has the right to be informed of the case status throughout the criminal process.  Those rights include:

  • Charges filed and the initial hearing date and time
  • Any court schedule changes when subpoenaed or requested to testify
  • The content of any proposed settlement offer
  • The final disposition of a criminal case
  • The prosecuting attorney's decision to decline prosecution of domestic assault or harassment
  • The availability of protection orders
  • Information regarding an offender's appeal
  • Be notified if the offender is released from custody

Right to Be Involved

A crime victim has the right to be involved in court proceedings.  The level of involvement is up to the choice of the individual crime victim. The crime victim has the absolute right to:

  • Have input into pretrial diversion decisions in certain designated offenses
  • Request reparations for certain expenses (i.e. medical, counseling, lost wages) as the result of a violent crime
  • Request that the prosecuting attorney demand a speedy trial
  • Object to a proposed plea agreement at the plea hearing, orally or in writing
  • Request restitution for financial loss as part of the offender's sentence
  • Present a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing
  • Request that the convicted violent crime offender submit to HIV testing in certain designated offenses
  • Present a statement to the court if the offender is requesting an expungement of the court records

Right to Be Protected From Harm

A crime victim has the right to be protected from harm including:

  • 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 to release that information
  • Request notification of the offender's release or transfer while "in custody"
  • Request notification of the offender's petition for expungement