Wyoming - Crime Victims' Rights

In 1991, the State of Wyoming enacted the Wyoming Victim Bill of Rights. This act allows crime victims and witnesses greater access to and participation in the state's criminal justice system. In responding to its responsibilities as depicted by the act, the Wyoming Department of Corrections (DOC) began its Victim Notification Program.

• The right to be treated with compassion, respect and sensitivity within the criminal justice system.
• The right to know the whereabouts of the offender and the current status of the case.
• The right to receive restitution from offenders.
• The right to know all rights under this law including information about services and victims assistance at the local level.
• The right to know about victim compensation.
• The right to reasonable protection and safety and the right to know of legal recourse if threatened.
• The right to prompt return of property.
• The right to preservation of employment while participating in the criminal justice process.
• The right to be informed about the opportunity to make a victim impact statement at sentencing and parole hearings.
• The right to be present at trial.

What Does the Victim Notification Program Do?

The Victim Notification Program has set its mission to keep victims, key-witnesses, prosecutors, victim/witness coordinators and advocates informed and involved in the Department of Corrections while the offender is in the custody of the department.

The program provides eligible participants, who have participated in the criminal prosecution of a specific case, written notification of that offender's status. This notification is only provided about those offenders who are initially sentenced to and incarcerated in an adult penal institution that is under the supervision of the DOC.

The program does not provide notification regarding misdemeanant offenders sentenced to jail or offenders placed on probation.

What Information Will be Provided?

The following is a list of items for which you may receive notification regarding the offender:

• Anticipated release date
• Institutional transfers
• Work release locations
• Granting or modification of parole
• Escape/recapture
• Death of an offender
• Reductions or extensions of the sentence
• Release from the institution
• Furloughs
• Application for pardon
• Commutation recommendations
• Appeals

In addition to the above, those individuals who have been identified as a victim will be given advanced notice of Board of Parole hearings and any consideration to be given an offender for community placement by Adult Community Corrections boards. This is to afford the victim the opportunity to submit written comments to the appropriate board for its consideration.

In the case of Board of Parole hearings only, the victim may appear in person or submit an audio/video cassette in lieu of providing a written statement.

For more information visit Wyoming Department of Corrections web site.

Source: Wyoming Department of Corrections