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Victims
Bill Brochure
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On
July 23, 1992, Governor Michael N. Castle, signed
the Victims Bill of Rights into law. This law
mandates that victims are informed about the
criminal process and extends notification and
participation rights to them. The statute was
amended by the 137th General Assembly and Governor
Thomas R. Carper signed and made law, new
requirements to the Victims Bill of Rights on July
16, 1993. |
THE LAW PROVIDES THAT YOU SHOULD BE NOTIFIED
OF THE FOLLOWING:
- How
criminal case go through the system.
- After a
defendant is released on bail including the amount of
bail and any conditions.
- Court
events, possible plea agreements, outcome of the case,
projected prison release dates and any sentence
modification.
- If the
conviction is reversed on appeal.
- Parole
and pardon hearing dates, early release to community
based on programs or if the offender escapes from a
correctional facility.
- Procedures
to be followed if the offender threatens or
intimidates you.
- Services
available for victims of crime.
VICTIM
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Most crime
victims suffer from distress and/or confusion after
victimization and experience difficulty dealing with the
criminal justice system. These programs provide a wide
range of services to help you during this time.
To help
crime victims, these programs usually provide victim
advocacy, crisis intervention, information about the case,
referrals to social/community resources, assistance in
filing Violent Crimes Compensation Board forms, help with
understanding the criminal justice system, and court
accompaniment
VICTIM INFORMATION
Delaware
has a Victim's Bill of Rights which entitles you to be
notified of and participate in all major phases of the
criminal case process. You will be notified of the
progress of the case in which you are the victim. This
booklet will help you better understand what is happening
in court by telling you the meaning of court terms you may
not know. It also gives you other information you may find
helpful.
Delaware
has established a Violent Crimes Compensation Board to
assist innocent victims of violent crime who suffer
personal injury (bodily harm or extreme mental suffering).
The Board does not compensate victims for stolen or
damaged property. You may be eligible for financial
assistance. If you would like an application or for more
information, contact the Violent Crimes compensation Board
at 995-8383.
If you have
had property stolen and the police recover it, the police
will keep the property as evidence until after the trial.
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Victims BILL OF RIGHTS
