Massachusetts - Crime Victims" Rights
Rights and services for victims in the criminal justice system:
For complete information visit the Essex District Attorney's Office website.
- The right to be notified when you are expected to appear in court and to be present at all court proceedings.
- The right to be provided with safe waiting areas during court proceedings.
- The right to receive information on the level of protection available and to receive protection from harm and threats as a result of your cooperation with the court.
- The right to confer with the prosecutor before the trial, before the case is dismissed and before any sentence recommendation.
- The right to be notified of the final disposition of a criminal case and an explanation of the sentence, if any.
- The right to be heard at sentencing through a victim impact statement. To file a victim impact statement with the court as to the recommendation sentence and as to the financial, physical and psychological effects suffered as a result of a crime.
- The right to credit and or employer intercession services.
- The right to assistance in seeking witness fees, victim compensation, restitution and social service referrals.
- The right to expedited return of property.
- The right to be informed by the parole board of the defendant's parole eligibility and status in the criminal justice system.
- The right to be notified, upon request, by custodial officials whenever an offender is moved from a secure to a less secure facility, is given a temporary, provisional or final release from custody, or escapes.
- The right to be informed about notification rights and the certification process required to access the defendant's criminal history.
- The right to be informed of the right to pursue a civil action for damages relating to the crime.
For complete information visit the Essex District Attorney's Office website.
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