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Crime can affect its victims in a variety of ways, including, physically, mentally, and economically.
To help deal with these effects, US and Arizona law says that crime victims must be afforded certain rights. These rights are in place to ensure that victims are provided with justice, fairness, dignity, and respect as the criminal justice system proceeds.
Victims’ rights, among other things, include the right to certain information (like when court is taking place or when a perpetrator is being released), the right to tell the court how the crime affected you, and the right to seek reimbursement for any loss caused by the crime.
Information about these rights as well as resources that can help with understanding and exercising rights can be found here.
Arizona Crime Victims
In general, a crime victim is someone who suffers physical, mental, or financial harm as the result of another person committing a crime. When it comes to victims’ rights and the services and programs available to victims of crime in Arizona, a special definition applies.
Victims' Rights
Victims' rights are designed to help crime victims in the wake of the crime that occurred. They are designed to ensure that victims receive justice, due process, fairness, and respect. There are 12 distinct rights listed in the victims’ bill of rights. They focus on ensuring that victims are informed, and that victims’ voices and decisions are heard and respected.
Initial Contact
When a criminal offense occurs, the first contact a victim has with the justice system is almost always law enforcement. Law enforcement must provide a victim with a form called the Victims' Rights Request/Waiver Form, which includes essential information about victim rights.
Restitution
Restitution is a court-ordered payment from a person convicted of a crime to a victim of that crime. Restitution is a payment for losses suffered because of the crime. It may include repaying money that was stolen, paying to repair or replace stolen or damaged property or paying for lost wages or medical related expenses from the crime.
Crime Victim Compensation
Arizona administers a crime victim compensation program that provides financial help to Arizona victims of state and federal crimes. The crime victim compensation funds are made up of fines, surcharges, and penalties paid by criminals.
