Know Your Rights as a Victim: Minnesota Statues 611A

Stearns County Attorney
Janelle P. Kendall

Be Informed of Court Procedures

A Crime Victim has the right to be informed of . . .

  • The content of any proposed settlement offer
  • Any court schedule changes when subpoenaed or requested to testify
  • The final disposition of a criminal case
  • The Prosecutor's decision to decline prosecution of domestic assault or harassment
  • The availability of protection orders
  • Information regarding a defendant's appeal

Be Involved in Court Procedures

A Crime Victim has the right to . . .

  • Present a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing
  • Present objections to any settlement offers or proposed sentence
  • Have input into pre-trial diversion decisions*
  • Request reparations for medical expenses or harm as the result of a crime
  • Request restitution for financial loss as part of the offender's sentence
  • Request the prosecuting attorney to demand a speedy trial
  • Request that the convicted violent crime offender submit to HIV testing*
  • Present a statement to the court, if the defendant is requesting an expungement of the court records

Be Protected from Harm

A Crime Victim has the right to . . .

  • Protection from threats or coercion from any person regarding their testimony
  • A separate waiting area during court proceedings
  • Protection from employer retaliation when required to testify or be present in court
  • Request law enforcement to withhold access to public information identifying the victim
  • Withhold a home or employment address, telephone number, or date of birth in court proceedings, unless court ordered
  • Request notification of the offender's release or transfer while "in custody"
  • Request notification of the offender's petition for expungement

* Applies to designated offenses