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 comply with victim notification laws and policies of the state in which they were adjudicated (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.   It is important to maintain contact to minimize a delay in notification.

Access the Office for Victims of Crime’s “Directory of Crime Victim Services” database to locate non-emergency crime victim services.  The interactive U.S. Resource Map of Crime Victim Services and Information provides information on local resources and agencies. In addition, SAVIN (Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification) offers a searchable map for victim services.