As a crime victim or a homicide victim’s next of kin, you have rights.
These guaranteed rights as outlined in Florida Statue 960 include:
THE
RIGHT to be present, informed, and heard, when relevant, at all crucial
stages of the criminal and juvenile justice system as long as that right
does not interfere with the rights of the accused.
THE
RIGHT to be free from threats, intimidation, or harassment. It is against
the law to cause a victim/witness to be placed in fear by force or
threats, to make an assault on, or to harm any victim/witness. If you are
being threatened or intimidated, please contact the Sarasota Sheriff’s
Office.
THE
RIGHT to be notified of the arrest of the accused and when a defendant
escapes or is released from a holding facility.
THE
RIGHT to ask the court for restitution (payment for financial loss as a
result of a crime) from the defendant and information from the court on
enforcement of that order.
THE
RIGHT to request assistance from Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s
Office in notification to creditors and employers in regards to financial
hardship or absences resulting from the crime.
THE
RIGHT to a prompt, timely disposition of your case, provided this right
does not interfere with the rights of the accused.
THE
RIGHT to be notified of scheduling changes in your criminal or juvenile
justice system appearances by the scheduling agency or person.
THE RIGHT to be consulted by the State
Attorney’s Office in certain felony cases in order to obtain your or your
family’s views about the disposition of any criminal or juvenile case.
THE
RIGHT to have a Victim Advocate accompany you to a deposition. Victims who
are not incarcerated shall not be required to attend discovery depositions
in any correctional facility.
THE
RIGHT to review certain portions of a pre-sentence investigation report
for an adult and/or youthful offender before the sentencing of the
accused.
THE
RIGHT to submit an oral or written victim impact statement to the court.
THE
RIGHT to have their rights as outlined in this brochure asserted through
the State Attorney’s Office.
THE
RIGHT to request and know at the earliest convenience, if the person
charged with an offense, which involves the transmission of bodily fluids,
has tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
The RIGHT to a prompt return of property
following the completion of the investigation and/or prosecution of the
case unless there is a compelling law enforcement need to retain the
property.
THE
RIGHT in certain circumstances to request that the offender be required to
attend a different school than the victim or siblings.
