Victims of crime have constitutionally protected rights. Some are automatic and some require the victim to request them.
Automatic Rights:
- To be informed of rights
- To be treated with fairness and respect for safety, dignity, and privacy
- Reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused
- Receive information about the status of the case
- Refuse defense interview, deposition, or other discovery request
- Object to defense requests for access to confidential information, including medical, counseling, school, or employment records, access to personal devices, online accounts, or other personal information
- Be present at all public proceedings
- Have a support person during proceedings
- Give input at public proceedings involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, parole, and any other hearing that involves victims’ rights
- Object to unreasonable delays
- Full and timely restitution from the offender (necessary documentation/receipts must be provided, for guidance, please visit):
https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/docs/JCS/courtSvcs/MarsysLaw/SCO-CSD-0002.pdf
Rights not automatically granted - must be requested:
- Victim name and identifying information to be redacted from public records
- Receive notice of arrest, escape or release of the offender
- Reasonable and timely notice of all public court proceedings (including appellate proceedings)
- Confer with prosecutor assigned to the case
- Be notified of subpoenas, motions, or other requests to access victim’s personal information
- Appoint a victim’s representative
To learn more about crime victims’ rights and the Victim Rights Request Form: HERE
Other helpful resources for victims of crime:
Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center https://www.ocvjc.org/
Victim Rights Toolkit https://www.ocvjc.org/victims-rights-toolkit2
Ohio Attorney General Services for Victims https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Victims
Ohio Domestic Violence Network https://www.odvn.org/
Victim Assistance Program of Summit County https://victimassistanceprogram.org/
Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center https://hopeandhealingresources.org/
Victim Information and Notification Everyday https://www.vinelink.com/#state-selection
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Victim Services https://drc.ohio.gov/victim-services
Asian Services in Action https://www.asiaohio.org/services/ahimsa/
Providing Access to Healing (PATH) Center https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/akron-general/specialties/obgyn#path-center-tab
Community Legal Aid https://www.communitylegalaid.org/
