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1995 SESSION

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HB 2257 Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act.

Introduced by: James F. Almand | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. Establishes the Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act which clearly enumerates those rights available to crime victims and witnesses. The bill defines “victim” for the purposes of the Act to include anyone suffering physical, psychological or economic harm as the result of a felony or a misdemeanor “against the person” and includes spouses, children, parents and guardians of certain victims within the definition of “victim.” It also requires victim-witness assistance programs in each jurisdiction to provide services not reserved to other agencies or entities. Victims have the right to remain in the courtroom during trial and all attendant proceedings which the defendant may attend, and the attorney for the Commonwealth must give prior notice to victims of such proceedings. A victim of a felony may in all cases present a Victim Impact Statement to the court, whether prepared by court personnel or himself. A defendant, in every case where there is a feasible way to do so, must make at least partial restitution to a victim of a felony or misdemeanor against the person. Finally, notice must be given to victims by sheriffs, jail superintendents and the Department of Corrections of the transfer, escape or change of name of a prisoner.


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