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Victims
Bill Brochure
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On July 23, 1992, Governor Michael N. Castle, signed the Victims
Bill of Rights into law. This law mandates that victims are
informed about the criminal process and extends notification and
participation rights to them. The statute was amended by the
137th General Assembly and Governor Thomas R. Carper signed and
made law, new requirements to the Victims Bill of Rights on July
16, 1993.
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THE LAW PROVIDES THAT YOU SHOULD BE
NOTIFIED OF THE FOLLOWING:
- How criminal case go through the system.
- After a defendant is released on bail
including the amount of bail and any conditions.
- Court events, possible plea agreements,
outcome of the case, projected prison release dates and any
sentence modification.
- If the conviction is reversed on appeal.
- Parole and pardon hearing dates, early
release to community based on programs or if the offender
escapes from a correctional facility.
- Procedures to be followed if the offender
threatens or intimidates you.
- Services available for victims of crime.
VICTIM SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Most crime victims suffer from distress and/or
confusion after victimization and experience difficulty dealing
with the criminal justice system. These programs provide a wide
range of services to help you during this time.
To help crime victims, these programs usually
provide victim advocacy, crisis intervention, information about
the case, referrals to social/community resources, assistance in
filing Violent Crimes Compensation Board forms, help with
understanding the criminal justice system, and court
accompaniment
VICTIM INFORMATION
Delaware has a Victim's Bill of Rights which
entitles you to be notified of and participate in all major
phases of the criminal case process. You will be notified of the
progress of the case in which you are the victim. This booklet
will help you better understand what is happening in court by
telling you the meaning of court terms you may not know. It also
gives you other information you may find helpful.
Delaware has established a Violent Crimes
Compensation Board to assist innocent victims of violent crime
who suffer personal injury (bodily harm or extreme mental
suffering). The Board does not compensate victims for stolen or
damaged property. You may be eligible for financial assistance.
If you would like an application or for more information,
contact the Violent Crimes compensation Board at 995-8383.
If you have had property stolen and the police
recover it, the police will keep the property as evidence until
after the trial.
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