Victim Bill Of Rights
Victim Bill Of Rights
The Berks County Victim/Witness Assistance Unit is dedicated to supporting victims of crime. We feel that it is extremely important for every victim to know their rights.
You have the right to receive:
Information about basic services and resources available to you
Information about certain court events in your case
Accompaniment to all public court proceedings by a family member, victim advocate or support person
Assistance with preparing a victim impact statement
Information and assistance with completing financial compensation forms
Assistance with property return
Notification of the arrest, discharge, transfer or escape of a defendant from prison or a mental health facility
Information about the final disposition of your case
You have the right to provide input into:
The potential reduction of charges or changing of a plea
The sentencing of a defendant through a written and/or oral victim impact statement
Release decisions and escapes of defendants who are sentenced to a state facility
Additional Bill of Rights are available upon request:
Receive notice of the filing, hearing or disposition of appeals
Receive notice when defendant is released from incarceration at sentencing
For a detailed list of the above rights, a listing of additional rights for victims of personal injury and sexual assault crimes, please click here.