Minnesota law provides for the following rights for crime victims. Read the full State Statute.
Notifications
The right to be notified of:
• Their rights as a victim.
• Prosecution process and their right to participate.
• Content of any plea bargain agreements.
• Changes in court proceeding schedule when a victim has been subpoenaed or requested to testify.
• Final disposition of the case.
• Appeals filed by the defendant, the right to attend the oral argument, and the right to be notified of the final disposition.
• Sentence modifications for the offender, including the date, time and location of the review.
• Release, transfer, or escape of the offender from prison or custodial institution.
• Offender's petition for expungement.
• Information on the nearest crime victim assistance program or resource.
• Filing of a civil commitment petition and the outcome.
Participation in Prosecution
• Request a speedy trial.
• Provide input in a pretrial diversion decision.
• Be present at the sentencing and plea presentation hearings.
• Object orally or in writing to a plea agreement at the hearing.
• Object orally or in writing to a proposed disposition or sentence.
• Inform the court of the impact of crime orally or in writing at the sentencing hearing (Victim Impact Statement).
• Inform the court at the sentencing hearing of social and economic impact of crime on persons and businesses in the community.
• Submit statement regarding decision to discharge/release an offender from civil commitment.
• Bring a supportive person to court hearings.
• Attend hearings.
• Request a probation review hearing if restitution is not paid as ordered.
Protection from Harm
• Right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings.
• Right to request address and other information be withheld in open court.
• Right to request law enforcement withhold his/her identity from the public.
• Tampering with a witness is a crime and should be reported.
• Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court.
Financial Assistance
• The right to apply for financial assistance:
• Victims of violent crime may apply for financial assistance (reparations) from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of a violent crime.
• Victims may request the court to order the defendant to pay restitution if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty.
• Victims may request a probation violation hearing prior to the expiration of probation if restitution has not been paid as ordered.
Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Harassment
• Right to be informed of prosecutor's decision to decline prosecution or dismiss case along with information about seeking a protective or harassment order at no fee.
• Protection against employer retaliation for victims who take reasonable time off to attend Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order proceedings.
• Domestic abuse victims have the ability to terminate lease without penalty or payment.
• Sexual assault victims can make a confidential request for HIV testing of an offender if offender is found delinquent.
• Sexual assault victims are not required to pay the cost of a sexual assault examination.
• Sexual assault victims may not be required to undergo a polygraph examination in order for an investigation or prosecution to proceed.