Guidelines for the Treatment of & Assistance to Crime Victims & Witnesses

The following is a summary of the 16 guidelines which prescribed the ways in which victims and witnesses of crime will be treated and helped. These guidelines are part of Maryland's Criminal Code & Constitution.

In accordance with these guidelines, every crime victim or witness should:

• Be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity;
• Receive emergency help as needed;
• Be advised of law enforcement services available to protect victims & witnesses from harm;
• At trial be provided a waiting area apart from the accused;
• Be informed of any available financial assistance of social services;
• Receive help with expenses occurring as a result of the crime;
• Be assisted with prompt property return;
• Be informed of restitution procedures and information;
• Receive speedy handling of the case in which they are involved.

In addition, a victim of a crime of violence is entitled to:

• Information regarding the status of their case;
• To be present at all court proceedings, including trial and sentencing;
• Prior notice of any postponements;
• To keep their address and phone number out of court records;
• To request court ordered HIV testing of the defendant, if appropriate;
• Notification of changes in the defendant's pre-trial status;
• Notice of terms and conditions of plea agreements
  
  How To Exercise Your Rights As a Victim
  If you have been a victim of a violent crime and would like to exercise your right to receive notification from the State's Attorney's Office about your case, you must complete a Crime victim Notification Request Form, which you obtain by contacting Victim Witness Assistance Unit personnel in the State's Attorneys Office.
  
  For a complete description of the criminal justice process and your rights as a crime victim, please refer to Maryland Crime Victims: Your Rights and Services, a pamphlet available to you through your local law enforcement agency.
  
  
• To make a statement to the court in writing & in person, concerning the impact of the crime;
• Notice of any post conviction hearings;
• Notice of parole hearings, release, or escape if the defendant is incarcerated.