Wisconsin - Crime Victims' Rights

As a victim of crime in Wisconsin, you have the following rights:

• To be informed of your rights and how to exercise your rights.
• To information regarding the offender's release from custody.
• To be notified of a decision not to prosecute if an arrest has been made.
• To speak with the Assistant Attorney General (AAG), or prosecutor representative upon your request, about the possible outcome of the case, potential plea agreements and sentencing options.
• To attend court proceedings in the case.
• To have reasonable attempts made to notify you of the time, date and place of upcoming court proceedings, if you so request.
• To be provided with a waiting area separate from defense witnesses.
• To a speedy disposition of the criminal case.
• To have your interest considered when the court is deciding to grant a request for a delay (continuance).
• To be notified if charges are dismissed.
• To be accompanied to court by a service representative. This right is limited to specific types of crimes.
• To ask for assistance with your employer if necessary, resulting from court appearances.
• To request an order for, and to be given the results of, testing the offender for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. This right is limited to specific types of crimes.
• To provide a written or oral victim impact statement concerning the economic, physical and psychological effect of the crime upon you to be considered by the court at sentencing.
• To have the impact of the crime on you included in a presentence investigation.
• To be provided sentencing or dispositional information upon request.
• To restitution as allowed by law.
• To a civil judgment for unpaid restitution.
• To compensation for certain expenses as allowed by law.
• To have your property expeditiously returned when it is no longer needed as evidence.
• To be notified of the offender's eligibility for parole and to have input into the parole-making decision.
• To have the Department of Corrections make a reasonable attempt to notify you of specific types of releases, escapes or confinements as provided by law.
• To have a reasonable attempt made to notify you of a pardon application to the governor and to make a written statement regarding the pardon application.
• To contact the Department of Justice about any concerns you may have about your treatment as a crime victim.
• In order to receive information you must keep the appropriate agency informed of your current address and telephone number.

For more information visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice web site.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Justice