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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.