Posted On: August 31, 2011
Understanding Your Rights as a California Victim of Crime
The bottom line is that victims of crime in California have rights. In November 2008, California voters passed a law, interchangeably referred to as “Marcy’s Law” and the “Victims’ Bill of Rights”. This law…which appears in an amendment to the California Constitution…sets forth a number of rights for victims of California crimes.
California victim’s rights include (but are not limited to):
- the right to keep their address and other personal information confidential,
- the right not to be threatened or intimidated,
- the right to be heard with respect to the defendant’s sentence and any parole hearings, and
- the right to restitution and return of property.
Unfortunately, to receive the benefit of these rights often takes some affirmative action on the victim’s part. Fortunately, most local prosecuting agencies have witness/victim assistance and advocacy programs that will help guide a victim through this process.
