A crime victim has the following rights:
- The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.
- The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
- The right to be notified of court proceedings.
- The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at trial.
- The right to confer with an attorney for the Government in the case.
- The right to restitution.
- The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.
- The Victim-Witness program in the U.S. Attorney's Office works primarily with victims involved in indicted cases, however, program staff works closely with victim assistance staff from various other federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), US Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), etc.
The Victim Witness Program offers a variety of services to eligible victims, which may include:
- Crisis intervention and support services.
- Information about the status of a criminal case through the use of the Victim Notification System (VNS).
- Accompanying victims to court for trials and sentencings, upon request.
- Referrals to appropriate community agencies and programs.
- Information about victims rights and the victims role in the criminal case.
- Assisting in preparing victims for testifying in court proceedings.
- Information about the victim impact process, the restitution process, and the right to allocution at sentencing where permitted.
- Assist victims in obtaining release of their property after a case has been completed.
- Explaining court and case related information to employers of victims or witnesses.
In 2002 the Department of Justice created an automated Victim Notification System (VNS). This free, computer based system provides two important services to victims: information and notification. Information is available in English and Spanish. VNS can inform a victim of information on scheduled court hearings and an offender's custody status. If you are a victim of a federal crime you will receive a letter from the US Attorney's Office explaining this system in detail along with a Victim Identification Number and a Personal Identification Number.
