Victims' Notification Rights

As a victim of a dangerous felony crime, you are entitled to notification of certain rights and information. Here are the types of notifications by department:

• Victims of general felonies and misdemeanors and witnesses may take advantage of these rights by written request

• Click here to access VINE Link - notifications through Department of Corrections

Law Enforcement Agencies and Juvenile Authorities

• Info about the crime and status of investigation

• Info on how to obtain police reports

• Crime Victim Compensation information

• Community crisis intervention services

• Assistance gathering documentation of losses

• Releases on bond or other reason

• Defendant’s escape

• Recapture of the defendant 

Prosecutors

• Case status

  • • Availability of victim services 

    • Filing of charges 

    • Bond hearings

      • Here, victims have the right to be heard and make a victim impact statement

    • Pre-trial hearing dates 

    • Continuances

    • Trial dates

    • Guilty pleas 

    • Pleas of not guilty by reason of insanity

    • Final disposition/sentencing (WITHIN 5 DAYS)

• Sentencing

• Probation and Revocation/Parole hearings

• Right to restitution 

• Any witness fee to which a victim is entitled and where funding is available 

Custodial Authorities

• The MO Department of Corrections has a Victim Services Unit - more info can be found here

  • • it is very important to complete and update the victim notification form (link available on this page)

• A defendant's possible release date AND the actual release date

• Parole, Release hearings, Rescheduling of any hearings

  • • 30-day advanced notice is provided per updated victim contact information

• Notice of death of a defendant WITHIN 30 DAYS

• UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, to receive a photo taken of the defendant before release from incarceration

• Actual detaining facilities: 

  • • Juvenile 

    • County

    • State

    • Department of Mental Health

      • Due to HIPPA, DMH doesn't notify for release

Attorney General

• UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, case status information will be provided through the appellate process 

• Follow this link to submit an online request: ago.mo.gov/other-resources/forms