The Colorado Victim Rights Amendment Guarantees To Victims And Witnesses
The Following Rights
The following is a summary of the rights guaranteed by the Victim Rights Act (For a complete listing of your rights, please refer to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-4.1-101 through § 24-4.1-304.)
- To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity;
- To be informed of and present for all "critical stages" of the criminal justice process;
- To be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse, and the right to be informed about what steps can be taken if there is any intimidation or harassment by a person accused or convicted of the crime or anyone acting on the person's behalf;
- To be present and heard regarding bond reduction, continuances, acceptance of plea negotiations, case disposition, or sentencing;
- To consult with the district attorney prior to any disposition of the case or before the case goes to trial and to be informed of the final disposition of the case.
- To be informed of the status of the case and any scheduling changes or cancellations, if known in advance.
- To prepare a Victim Impact Statement and to be present and/or heard at sentencing.
- To have restitution ordered and to be informed of the right to pursue a civil judgment against the person convicted of the crime;
- To a prompt return of the victim's property when no longer needed as evidence;
- To be informed of the availability of financial assistance and community services;
- To be given appropriate employer intercession services regarding court appearances and meetings with criminal justice officials;
- To be assured that in any criminal proceeding the court, the prosecutor, and other law enforcement officials will take appropriate action to achieve a swift and fair resolution of the proceedings;
- Whenever practicable, to have a safe, secure waiting area during court proceedings;
- Upon request, to be informed when a person accused or convicted of the crime is released from custody, is paroled, escapes or absconds from probation or parole.
- Upon written request, to be informed of and heard at any reconsideration of sentence, parole hearing, or commutation of sentence;
- Upon written request, to be informed when a person convicted of a crime against the victim is placed in or transferred to a less secure correctional facility or program or is permanently or conditionally transferred or released from any state hospital;
- To be informed of any rights which the victim has pursuant to the constitution of the United States or the State of Colorado.
- To be informed of the process for enforcing compliance with the Victim Rights Act.
For further information on the Victim Rights Act, please contact:
Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice Office for Victims’ Programs
700 Kipling, Suite 1000
Denver, Colorado 80215-5865
or call 303-239-4442
or 1-888-282-1080 (outside the Denver Metro area)