prosecutor is required to confer with the victim before making important decisions. 
In all states, however, the prosecutor (and not the victim) makes decisions about the 
case. 
2. 
Right to Be Informed 
1. 
The purpose of this right is to make sure that victims have the information they 
need to exercise their rights and to seek services and resources that are available to 
them. Victims generally have the right to receive information about victims’ rights, 
victim compensation (see “Right to Apply for Compensation,” below), available 
services and resources, how to contact criminal justice officials, and what to expect 
in the criminal justice system. Victims also usually have the right to receive 
notification of important events in their cases. Although state laws vary, most states 
require that victims receive notice of the following events: 
▪ 
the arrest and arraignment of the offender 
▪ 
bail proceedings 
▪ 
pretrial proceedings 
▪ 
dismissal of charges 
▪ 
plea negotiations 
▪ 
trial 
▪ 
sentencing 
▪ 
appeals 
▪ 
probation or parole hearings 
▪ 
release or escape of the offender 
States have different ways of providing such information to victims. Usually, 
information about court proceedings is mailed to the victim. Some states have an 
automated victim notification system that automatically calls or e-mails the victim 
with updates on the status of the offender, while others require the victim to 
telephone the authorities to receive such updates. 
3. 
Right to Protection 
1. 
In many states, victims have the right to protection from threats, intimidation, or 
retaliation during criminal proceedings. Depending on the jurisdiction, victims may 
receive the following types of protection: 
ALISON S. BURKE, DAVID CARTER, BRIAN FEDOREK, TIFFANY MOREY, LORE RUTZ-BURRI, AND SHANELL
SANCHEZ
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