Victims' General Rights

As a victim of a dangerous felony crime, you are entitled to certain rights listed below

• Victims of general felonies and misdemeanors crimes and witnesses may take advantage of these rights by WRITTEN REQUEST 

Presence

• To be present at ALL CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS if the defendant has the same right

  • If the defendant can be there, so can the victim 

Participation

• To confer and be informed by prosecutor (talk with) regarding bail/bond/detention hearings, guilty pleas, hearings, sentencing, and probation revocation hearings

• To be heard at: 

  • juvenile proceedings

  • probation revocation and parole hearings initiated by the MO Department of Probation and Parole  

• Victims may offer a VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT at any of these proceedings/hearings 

  • To receive additional direction, please contact your local prosecutors office. 

• To speedy disposition of cases 

• To speedy appellate review, allowing for the defendant to prepare a defense 

  • For more info please visit ago.mo.gov

Pay

• Restitution is defined as payment made by a defendant to a victim as to repay monetary losses that occurred as a result of the crime

• UPON WRITTEN REQUEST within 5 working days, to get back property from a prosecutor or law enforcement officer once it is no longer needed for evidence or retention during an appeal 

  • Unless it is contraband or subject to forfeiture proceedings

• To creditor intercession services by the prosecuting attorney if the victim is unable, as a result of the crime, to temporarily meet financial obligations 

• To limited compensation for out-of-pocket loss (counseling costs, lost wages, property damage, etc) and for qualified medical care necessary as result of a crime

Protection

• To protection from harmful threats from a defendant, or persons acting on behalf of the defendant for cooperation with law enforcement officials

• Protection of personal identifying information

• Confidential address

  • MO Safe at Home Program

• Orders of Protection - must file with civil court

• No contact by defendant - ordered within bond setting (best for the victim to be present for this)

• To a secure waiting area during a court proceeding

• To fair employment rights 

  • Including the right of a victim, witness, or member of a victim's family not to be discharged or disciplined by an employer for honoring a subpoena or for participating in the preparation of a criminal proceeding (MO VESSA)