Victims FAQs

Victims have the right to: 

  1. attend criminal justice proceedings; 
  2. apply for compensation; 
  3. be heard and participate in criminal justice proceedings; 
  4. be informed of proceedings and events in the criminal justice process, of legal rights and remedies, and of available services; 
  5. protection from intimidation and harassment; 
  6. restitution from the juvenile; 
  7. prompt return of personal property seized as evidence; 
  8. a speedy trial; and 
  9. enforcement of these rights. 


Research your rights as a victim on VictimLaw.org.

Reporting requirements vary by state. The juvenile must remain compliant with victim laws and policies of the sending state, even if they relocate or travel to another state.

As a victim, you have the right to receive notification when a juvenile moves, or in some cases travels out-of-state. The supervising officer in the state where the juvenile lives is responsible for any victim notification requirements.

Access the Office for Victims of Crime’s “Directory of Crime Victim Services” database to locate nonemergency crime victim services. The interactive U.S. Resource Map of Crime Victim Services and Information provides information on local resources and agencies.