Crime Victim Rights

Minnesota law provides for the following rights for crime victims.

Notifications

The right to be notified of:

Their rights as a victim.
Prosecution process and their right to participate.
Content of any plea bargain agreements.
Changes in court proceeding schedule when a victim has been subpoenaed or requested to testify.
Final disposition of the case.
Appeals filed by the defendant, the right to attend the oral argument, and the right to be notified of the final disposition.
Sentence modifications for the offender, including the date, time and location of the review.
Release, transfer, or escape of the offender from prison or custodial institution.
Offender’s petition for expungement.
Information on the nearest crime victim assistance program or resource.
Filing of a civil commitment petition and the outcome.

Request a speedy trial.
Provide input in a pretrial diversion decision.
Be present at the sentencing and plea presentation hearings.
Object orally or in writing to a plea agreement at the hearing.
Object orally or in writing to a proposed disposition or sentence.
Inform the court of the impact of crime orally or in writing at the sentencing hearing (Victim Impact Statement).
Inform the court at the sentencing hearing of social and economic impact of crime on persons and businesses in the community.
Submit statement regarding decision to discharge/release an offender from civil commitment.
Bring a supportive person to court hearings.
Attend hearings.
Request a probation review hearing if restitution is not paid as ordered.

Right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
Right to request address and other information be withheld in open court.
Right to request law enforcement withhold his/her identity from the public.
Tampering with a witness is a crime and should be reported.
Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court.

The right to apply for financial assistance:
Victims of violent crime may apply for financial assistance (reparations) from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of a violent crime.
Victims may request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty.
Victims may request a probation violate hearing prior to the expiration of probation if restitution has not been paid as ordered.

Right to be informed of prosecutor’s decision to decline prosecution or dismiss case along with information about seeking a protective or harassment order at no fee.
Protection against employer retaliation for victims who take reasonable time off to attend Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order proceedings.
Domestic abuse victims have the ability to terminate lease without penalty or payment.
Sexual assault victims can make a confidential request for HIV testing of an offender if offender is found delinquent.
Sexual assault victims are not required to pay the cost of a sexual assault examination.
Sexual assault victims may not be required to undergo a polygraph examination in order for an investigation or prosecution to proceed.