The following rights are supported by the New Jersey State Constitutional amendment that guarantees certain basic rights for crime victims. Crime victims are guaranteed the right:

• to be treated with dignity and compassion by the criminal justice system;

• to be informed about the criminal justice process;

• to be free from intimidation;

• to have inconveniences associated with participation in the criminal justice process minimized to the fullest extent possible;

• to make at least one telephone call from the police station provided the call is reasonable in both length and location called;

• to medical assistance if, in the judgment of the law enforcement agency, medical assistance appears necessary;

• to be notified if presence in court is not needed;

• to be informed about available remedies, financial assistance, and social services;

• to be compensated for their loss whenever possible;

• to be provided a secure, but not necessarily separate, waiting area during court proceedings;

• to be advised of case progress and final disposition;

• to the prompt return of property when no longer needed as evidence;

• to submit a written statement about the impact of the crime to a representative of the county prosecutor's office which shall be considered prior to the prosecutor's final decision concerning whether formal criminal charges will be filed; and

• to make, prior to sentencing, an in-person statement directly to the sentencing court concerning the impact of the crime.

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Last Updated: 08/14/2006