D.C. Crime Victims Rights

Under District of Columbia Law (23 D.C. Code Section 1901 et seq.), crime victims have the following rights:

• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
• The right to be notified of court proceedings.
• The right to be present at all court proceedings related to the offense, including the sentencing, and release, parole, record-sealing, and post-conviction hearings, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony or where the needs of justice otherwise require.
• The right to confer with an attorney for the prosecution in the case.
• The right to receive an order of restitution from the person convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim's loss or injury.
• The right to receive information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, detention, and release of the offender, and about any court order to seal the offender's criminal records.
• The right to receive notice of the rights provided in this chapter and under the laws of the District of Columbia.
• The right to be notified of any available victim advocate or other appropriate person to develop a safety plan and appropriate services.
• The right to submit, prior to the imposition of sentence, a written victim impact statement containing information concerning any emotional, psychological, financial, or physical harm done to or loss suffered by the victim.
• The right to offer at the defendant's release or parole hearing a written statement of the victim's opinion whether the defendant should be granted release or parole.
• The right to make a statement at the defendant's sentencing and record-sealing hearings.