Crime Victims and Their Rights

Who is a Crime Victim? 

According to Virginia § 19.2-11.01, a victim is a person who suffered physical, psychological, or economic harm as a direct result of the commission of a felony or of: assault and battery, stalking, violation of an existing protective order, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery, or maiming or driving while intoxicated. Spouses, children, and parents/legal guardians of minors victimized by these offenses are also considered victims under Virginia law unless that person is the defendant.

Services Available to Crime Victims

If you are a crime victim in the State of Virginia, you are entitled to certain rights. These rights include:

• Protection from further harm and threats of harm
• Waiting area separate from the accused during court proceedings
• Financial Assistance
• Virginia Victims Fund
• Prompt return of property being held as evidence
• Restitution for damages or loss
• Notification
• Case status information
• Court dates and proceedings
• Employer intercession services
• Prisoner release notification
• Victim Input
• Victim Impact Statement preparation
• Courtroom presence during trial
• In felony cases, consultation regarding plea agreement
• Courtroom Assistance
• Confidentiality of address and telephone numbers
• Interpreter services
• Court accompaniment
• Closed preliminary hearing in limited situations
• Use of two way closed circuit television in limited situations

If you have questions concerning these rights or you wish to assert certain rights, please contact the Fredericksburg Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 540-993-1660.