Victims' Rights

Minnesota law provides crime victims with specific rights. These rights apply in all cases, including juvenile cases. Minnesota has comprehensive Victims' Rights Act located in Chapter 611A of Minnesota Statutes. This Statute can be located in any county law library. You can also view this statute online.

If you feel that your rights as a victim have been violated, call the Office of Justice Programs at 888-622-8799 or TYY at, 651-205-4827.

You have the right to be notified of:

• Plea agreements
• Changes in court schedules and the date, time, and place of sentencing
• Final disposition of the criminal case
• Transfer of offender to a less secure correctional facility, if requested in writing
• Release of an offender from prison or institution, if requested in writing
• Escape and apprehension of an offender from prison or institution, if requested in writing
• Your rights as a victim

You have the right to participate in the prosecution:

• Right to inform the court of the personal impact of the crime at pretrial and sentencing
• Right to have input in the pretrial diversion program
• Right to object to plea bargain
• Right to request a speedy trial
• Right to bring a supportive the person to pretrial hearing
• Right to give written objections to the sentence
• Right to attend the sentencing

You have the right to protection from harm:

• Tampering with a witness is against the law
• Witnesses do not have to state their addresses in court
• Victims have the right to a secure waiting area during court
• Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court.
• Right to request a convicted sex offender be tested for HIV