Understanding Your Rights as a Crime Victim

As you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system, being aware of your rights is absolutely necessary. The following sections provide basic information about the criminal justice process, and the constitutional rights afforded to crime victims. If the homicide of your loved one has not resulted in an arrest, these sections may not apply to your situation at this time. Counties in Ohio have varying levels of advocacy services and some counties begin service when criminal charges have been filed. Please know that OVWA provides a helpline for co-victims of homicide which is available to you immediately and may be helpful if you have yet to be connected to an advocate.

Before you review the list of your constitutional rights, please note this list is an abbreviated list intended to be easy to be understand. The Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center has created a Crime Victims’ Rights Toolkit , an online interactive tool that can provide more specific information on your situation, providing you with letters and forms to  assert your rights.

You are not required to hire an attorney for the criminal case. In Ohio, there are two parties involved in a criminal case – the prosecution and the defense. The prosecutor represents the State of Ohio, and the defense attorney represents the offender. You are considered a crime victim and may also be a witness.  You have constitutional rights as a victim of crime. If you are pursuing civil lawsuits or remedies, it is advised to hire an attorney for those purposes.

Crime Victim Rights Attorneys

If you believe your constitutional rights as a victim of crime have been violated, the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center(www.ocjvc.org ) provides free legal assistance for violations of your rights as a victim of crime.

---

If you are interested in reviewing the full text of your constitutional rights as a victim of crime, please click the link below. Below the link, you will see Request your Rights. This is a simplified explanation of your rights and how to access them.

Ohio Constitutional Rights for Victims of Crime

Article I, Section 10a | Rights of victims of crime
Ohio Constitution/Article I Bill of Rights

---

Request Your Rights

Some rights are automatic; others must be requested in writing. It is very important that you complete the Victim Rights Request form as soon as possible. Hopefully, you have received and signed the Victim Rights Request (VRR) form. If not, please download a copy of the form here and provide it to either the law enforcement officer or the prosecutor’s office assigned to the case. It is important that either law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office file this completed and signed form with the court and that there is a documented entry that it has been filed.

Keep It Updated! If your contact info changes or you would like to change any part of the form, submit a revised form to the relevant agency (police, prosecutor, court, or prison).

Now, let’s take a look at some of your constitutional rights. They include:

Your Constitutional Rights

Participation & Information

• Be Informed: Request timely notice of all public court proceedings.
• Be Present: Attend public proceedings with or without a support person.
• Be Heard: Speak during key hearings (bond, plea, sentencing, parole).
• Confer with the Prosecutor: Upon request, meet with the prosecutor to share your wishes.

Safety & Privacy

• Protection: Reasonable protection from the accused.
• Protection Orders: Ask about obtaining one.
• Refuse Contact: Decline interviews or requests from the defense attorney.
• Privacy: Request removal of personal information from public documents.

Notifications

• Case Updates: Automatically receive general case status either by email, phone call, or in person.
• Release/Escape Alerts: Must request this on your VRR form and sign up for notifications through VINE or ODRC Victim Services

Additional notification programs:

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Victim Services https://drc.ohio.gov/victim-services  Email: DRC.Victim.Services@drc.ohio.gov, Phone 1-888-842-8464. After sentencing, the Office of Victim Services through ODRC offers advocacy and assistance to you throughout the duration of the offenders time incarcerated or on parole.

Restitution

You have the constitutional right to full and timely restitution for any out-of-pocket financial losses related to the crime. Keep all documentation of bills, receipts, estimates etc., and provide those to the prosecutor. Your advocate may be able to assist you in understanding what to retain, and there is a document prepared by the Ohio Supreme Court that may answer further questions and help you organize this request.

Additional Financial Recovery options

Ohio Crime Victim Compensation Fund: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Victims/Apply-for-Victims-Compensation

May cover medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and partial funeral costs—even if no arrest has been made. Crime Victim Compensation awards can be issued even if a formal restitution request is before the court on the criminal case, or if there is a civil lawsuit pending. It is recommended that you file a claim through the Crime Victims Compensation program as soon as possible. You are not required to have an attorney to file this claim, but if you choose to obtain legal assistance, please know that attorney fees may be reimbursable for assistance with the claim. Your victim advocate can assist you in the application, or please contact us at ________  if you do not yet have an advocate assigned.

Civil Remedies

You may have civil remedies available, separate from the criminal case. You may consider hiring an attorney. It is important to hire an attorney that you feel comfortable with, and most attorneys will meet with you prior to you officially hiring them.