CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS SERVICES

The Illinois Constitution provides that crime victims shall have the following rights*:

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process
• The right to notification of court proceedings
• The right to communicate with the prosecution
• The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing
• The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused
• The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused
• The right to be ‘reasonably’ protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice proceedings
• The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings, unless the victim is expected to testify, and the court determines that the victim's testimony will be affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial
• The right to have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate or other support person of the victim's choice
• The right to restitution

*Under Illinois law, "A statement and explanation of the rights of crime victims...shall be given to a crime victim at the initial contact with the criminal justice system by the appropriate authorities and shall be conspicuously posted in all court facilities." (725 ILCS 120/4(b)).

The law requires that some of these rights must be requested by the crime victim in writing.

Please contact your local State’s Attorney’s office or the Attorney General’s toll-free Crime Victims Assistance Line for more information. 1.800.228.3368 Voice/TTY