Crime Victim's Bill Of Rights — Your Voice In The Criminal Justice Process

For too long, people charged with crimes have had strong advocates for their rights. This new statute gives victims hurt by criminal acts the right to have a voice in the process, while retaining their dignity regarding investigations, evidence and testimony.

If you are the victim of a crime in Illinois, talk to a lawyer at Marquardt & Belmonte, P.C., in Wheaton. Our lawyers will review your circumstances and explain how the Victim's Bill of Rights will help you throughout the criminal case against the individual charged with a crime.

Under provisions of the law, crime victims are now allowed to hire an attorney to ensure they have the following rights throughout the criminal proceedings:

• The right to fairness, respect and privacy, free from intimidation, abuse and harassment
• The right to be notified of any access to their private and confidential records
• The right to be notified of times and date of all court proceedings, in a timely manner
• The right to communication between themselves and the prosecutor
• The right to speak at post-arraignment hearings in which the victim's rights are under consideration
• The right to be heard at any post-arraignment proceeding at which decisions will be considered regarding release, plea arrangements or sentencing
• The right to be notified when the accused has been convicted, sentenced, imprisoned or released from prison
• The right to a reasonable amount of protection from the accused throughout the criminal process
• The right to have the victim's safety (and safety of family) taken into consideration at the bail hearing
• The right to attend the trial and all other court proceedings
• The right to seek restitution from the accused
• The right to hire an attorney to advocate for the protection of these rights