Crime Victims’ Rights

     In January of 1996, the State of Alabama enacted the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights.  This legislation (Article 3, Sections 15-23-60 through 15-23-84 of the Code of Alabama), enumerates and defines certain rights granted to victims of crime in Alabama.

        Within 72 hours after a victim files a crime report, the assisting local law enforcement agency shall provide the victim with the following: 

–a list of local emergency and crisis services

–name and phone number of the officer and the agency handling the report

–name and phone number of the prosecuting attorney

–procedure for criminal prosecution

–information about victims’ compensation benefits|

–list of victim rights including a from to insure you are given your rights

–information about restitution and compensation

–procedures for safety if you are subject to threats or intimidation as a victim

A crime victim also has a right to: 

–-notification of all criminal proceedings and charges filed against the defendant, with the exception of initial appearance

–the right to be present at all proceedings

–explanation of the pre-sentence report and the right to make a written and/or oral statement to the probation officer

–the right to review the pre-sentence report

–notification of the time and place of any sentencing hearing and the right to make a written and/or oral statement or to present any information at a sentencing proceeding or any other proceeding as authorized by law

–information regarding the return of any stolen property

–notification of the date of conviction, acquittal, or dismissal of charges against a defendant and the sentence imposed

–refusal of an interview or other communication with the defendant, his or her attorney, or any other individual acting on the defendant’s behalf

–status and results of any post-conviction appeal(s)

–provision of a waiting area separate from the defendant, his/her relatives, and defense witnesses if practical

–submission of a statement to be entered into the defendant/inmate’s record

–notification of release, bond, imprisonment, escape/re-arrest, or death of the defendant/inmate

–release of opinion by the Alabama Department of Mental Health

–notification of any Pardon and Parole Board hearings and the right to be present and heard at such proceedings