Victim's Rights

Minnesota law provides for the following rights for crime victims:

THE RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED OF:

• Content of any plea agreements
  
• Schedule changes of court proceedings if notified to testify
  
• Final disposition of the case
  
• Any appeals and the right to attend if there are oral arguments
  
• Sentence modifications
  
• Defendant’s release from prison or any other custodial institution
  
• Defendant’s escape and apprehension from prison or any other custodial institution
  
• Motions to have case records expunged (sealed and kept confidential)
  
• Filing of a civil commitment petition and the outcome
  
• Decision not to prosecute a domestic assault or harassment case

THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROSECUTION, INCLUDING:

• Having input in a pre-trial diversion program decision
• Requesting a speedy trial
• Accompaniment of a supportive person at court hearings
• Attending the hearing where the plea is presented and informing the court of objections to the plea agreement or proposed disposition or sentence
  
• Informing the court of the personal impact of the crime at sentencing (physical, emotional, financial, etc.)
  
• Requesting a probation review hearing

THE RIGHT TO PROTECTION FROM HARM, INCLUDING:

• Tampering with a witness is a crime in Minnesota
• Right to request address be withheld in open court
• Right to a secure waiting area during court
• Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are subpoenaed to testify in court
  
• Right to request law enforcement to withhold their identity in public

THE RIGHT TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING:

• Financial assistance from the state for economic loss due to a violent crime
  
• Requesting the court to order the defendant to pay restitution for out-of-pocket expenses