Crime Victim Rights

You have rights related to your safety and protection while participating in the criminal justice process.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have the right to:

• Receive protection from harm or threats because of your cooperation with law enforcement or the prosecution.
• Have your safety considered when decisions are made regarding the accused person's bail or release.
• Request information about available safety measures and protections.
• Wait in a separate or secure area from the accused person during certain court proceedings, when available.
• Have your employer notified when you need to miss work to testify, as provided by law.

If you have concerns about your safety, tell your law enforcement contact, assigned detective, prosecutor, or Victim Services. For information about creating a personalized safety plan, visit Safety Planning.

You may have the right to receive information about your case and the criminal justice process.

Depending on the circumstances, you may request information about:

• The status and general progress of the criminal investigation and prosecution.
• Criminal justice procedures and what to expect during the process.
• Bail and related proceedings.
• Court proceedings and changes to scheduled proceedings.
• Plea agreements.
• Restitution.
• Appeals.
• Parole proceedings.
• The conviction and sentence of the person accused or convicted.
• The release or custody status of the person accused or convicted, when applicable.
• Available victim assistance and support services.
• The Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program and other assistance that may be available.

Some information may not be available or may be restricted by law. Information may also be limited when releasing it could interfere with an ongoing investigation or court proceeding.

Custody & Release Notifications

You may be able to register for notifications regarding an offender's custody status or release through IVSS (Integrated Victim Services System). For information about IVSS and other safety-related notification resources, visit Safety Planning.

Crime victims may have opportunities to participate in appropriate parts of the criminal justice process. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have the right or opportunity to:

• Attend certain public court proceedings, with the court's permission when required.
• Communicate with the prosecutor handling the case.
• Provide information about how the crime has affected you and your family.
• Complete a Victim Impact Statement.
• Have your Victim Impact Statement considered at applicable stages of the criminal justice process.
• Provide information for consideration during sentencing.
• Provide information for consideration during parole proceedings.
• Request victim-offender mediation when available and applicable.

Participating in the criminal justice process does not mean that you are responsible for deciding what happens to a criminal case. Decisions regarding investigation, charging, prosecution, plea agreements, and sentencing are made by the appropriate criminal justice authorities.

Victim Impact Statements

A Victim Impact Statement provides an opportunity to describe how a crime has affected you and, when applicable, your family. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to describe the physical, emotional, financial, or other effects of the crime. Victim Impact Statements may be considered at applicable stages of the criminal justice process, including sentencing and certain parole proceedings.

Crime victims may have rights to certain services and assistance during the criminal justice process. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, you may have the right to:

• Have property returned promptly when it is no longer needed as evidence.
• Request counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, particularly in cases involving sexual assault.
• Have a victim advocate present during a sexual assault examination, when available.
• Receive reimbursement for certain sexual assault medical examination expenses.
• Receive information about available victim assistance programs and services.
• Be referred to appropriate social services or other sources of assistance.

Additional services and financial assistance may be available depending on the circumstances of the crime. For information about counseling, advocacy, medical services, legal assistance, financial assistance, housing, and other campus and community resources, visit Campus & Community Resources.