In the aftermath of crime, victims often experience emotional pain and trauma as well as confusion concerning the legal process. The Victim & Witness Services Division is dedicated to ensuring that the needs and the rights of crime victims and witnesses are met through compliance with the law, and with respectful and fair treatment.
Victim’s Rights
On January 3, 1989, with the enactment of Article 1, Section 16, Paragraph (b), of the Florida Constitution, the State of Florida became the first state in the nation to change their constitution to include the rights of crime victims.
As a victim or witness of crime, you have certain rights and are entitled to information regarding what you may expect from the criminal justice system and how you may receive any available assistance needed as a result of the crime. Section 960.001, Florida Statutes, provides legal rights established for crime victims.
Marsy’s Law
Most recently, in 2018, the voters of Florida passed “Marsy’s Law” which amended Article 1 Section 16(b) of the Florida Constitution to expand the rights of Crime Victims in Florida. Below is a link to the full text of the amendment.
Understanding Your Role and Rights As A Victim of Crime
As a victim of crime in the State of Florida, you have an important role in the administration of justice. This role involves cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation and possible prosecution of a criminal case. Victims of crime are often called as witnesses in a case. This means you may be required to be present at various stages of the criminal justice process to provide truthful testimony.
It also means that you are entitled to certain rights within the criminal justice system, and to assistance from the State Attorney in asserting these rights.
Rights of A Crime Victim
- Notification of the arrest, release or escape of the accused, if possible
- Advance notice of all court proceedings, if time permits
- Information on steps concerning freedom from intimidation
- Notification of scheduling changes
- Opportunity to have a victim advocate present during depositions
- Assistance in obtaining the return of recovered property
- A prompt and timely disposition of the case
- Prompt notification of the results of court proceedings
- To be informed, present and heard, when relevant, at all criminal proceedings
- Assistance in obtaining Crime Victim Compensation, restitution, and other services to which you may be entitled
- Upon request, notification to your employer and/or school when you must appear in court
- Opportunity to submit an oral or written impact statement at the time of sentencing
No person, on the grounds of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, marital status, gender identity, language spoken, sexual orientation or disability shall be excluded from participation in; be denied proceeds or benefits of; be denied aid in accessing; or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the delivery of services, programs or activities, from this office.
If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in any proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.
If you require assistance please contact:
Brevard Court Administration
Seminole Court Administration
(321) 633-2171 ext. 2
(407) 665-4227