Victim’s Bill of Rights

Author:

Sylvia ChappellLegal SecretaryCity Prosecutor

Summary:

As a victim of a crime, you have certain rights guaranteed to you by the Arizona Constitution.

Last Updated:

6/1/2011

As a victim of a crime, you have certain rights guaranteed to you by the Arizona Constitution.

You automatically have the following rights:

To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity and to be free from intimidation, harassment or abuse throughout the entire criminal justice process.
To refuse to be interviewed or deposed by the defendant or the defendant's attorney.
If you choose to be interviewed or deposed, you may specify the date, time, duration, location and other conditions.
To be accompanied by a parent, relative, advocate or other support person (who will not be testifying at trial) to any interview, deposition or judicial proceeding, including trial.
To end any interview or deposition if it is not conducted in a dignified manner.
To have your views and your right to a speedy trial considered by the court in any criminal proceeding.
To a speedy trial and prompt disposition of the case after conviction and sentence.

You have the following rights upon request:

To confer with a prosecutor regarding the defendant's conditions of release, plea bargains and other pretrial matters.
To be present at and notified of any court hearing where the defendant has the right to be present.
To be provided with information as to the defendant’s release status.
To have your home and work addresses, telephone numbers or other information that could result in locating you withheld from the defendant and the defendant's attorney.
To be informed of the results of the case.
To receive prompt restitution from the defendant upon conviction and to be heard by the court on the method of payment of restitution.
To be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest release decision, negotiated plea or sentencing.

These rights, however, do not include the right to have a case dismissed or prosecuted. The decision to prosecute rests solely with the City Prosecutor's Office.

Victim Impact Statement

Small stack of files and file folders. The Victim Impact Statement is used by the Prosecutor for evaluating the effect the crime has had on you and your family. Without the information included in this form, you may not receive reimbursement and assistance that, by law, is yours. The Prosecutor and possibly the defendant and his/her attorney will receive a copy of this statement.

For More Information

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Office of the City Prosecutor.

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