[Download Victim Rights Brochure (PDF)]

Within 72 hours after a victim files a crime report, the assisting local law enforcement officer shall provide the victim with the following:

• a list of local emergency and crisis services
• the name and phone number of the Officer and the agency handling your report
• the name and phone number of the prosecuting attorney
• the procedural steps in a criminal prosecution
• the availability of victim's' compensation benefits
• a listing of your rights as a victim including a form to insure you are given your rights
• the existence and eligibility requirements of restitution and compensation
• a recommended procedure if you are subject to threats or intimidation as a victim

Key Rights at a Glance:

• notification of all criminal proceedings and charges filed against the defendant, with the exception of initial appearance, and the right to be present at all proceedings (including appeals)
• AGOVA notifies victims of violent crimes when oral arguments are to be held before the State Court of Criminal Appeals and the State Supreme Court. If the victim or victim’s family would like to attend the hearing, AGOVA staff members accompany them to assist in interpreting and explaining the proceedings. When appellate court decisions are made, AGOVA notifies victims of the decisions and advises them of any further action that will be taken by the Attorney General’s Office.
• necessary information regarding the appropriate agencies from which you may request information
• an explanation of the pre-sentence report and the right to make a written or oral statement to the probation officer, and a right to review the pre-sentence report
• be notified of the time and place of any sentencing hearing and to make a written or oral statement, or present any information at a sentencing proceeding or any other proceeding as authorized by law information regarding the return of any property taken
• be provided the date of conviction, acquittal or dismissal of charges against the defendant and the sentence imposed refuse an interview or other communication with the defendant, his attorney or anyone acting on his behalf the status and results of any post conviction appeal
• be provided a waiting area separate from the defendant, his relatives and defense witnesses if available and practical submit a statement to be entered into the inmate's records that you are to be notified of release, on bond, from prison, escape, re-arrest or death of prisoner
• information regarding collection of restitution
• any release opinion by the Alabama Department of Mental Health
• be notified of any Pardon and Parole Board hearings and the right to be present and heard at such hearings
• The Alabama Board of Pardon and Paroles notifies victims by certified mail (with a copy of AGOVA) 30 days before an inmate convicted of a violent crime is scheduled to come up for parole or pardon consideration. AGOVA makes a written protest against early release of the defendant on behalf of the victim. In those cases where the victims choose to be present at pardon or parole hearings, AGOVA prepares the victims by explaining the process and describing the environment of the hearing. At the victim's request, an AGOVA representative will also attend this meeting with them.
• have family members present to witness the execution of persons convicted of killing their family member (SS15-18-83)

Alabama Crime Victim Specific Statutes

Alabama Statutes: Title 15, Chapter 23: Alabama Crime Victims

• Article 3 Crime Victims' Rights.
• Section 15-23-60 Definitions.
• Section 15-23-61 Designated representative.
• Section 15-23-62 Law enforcement required to provide information concerning services, compensation benefits, etc.
• Section 15-23-63 Prosecuting attorney required to notify victim of charges and proceedings; request for notice.
• Section 15-23-64 Prosecuting attorney required to confer with victim prior to final disposition of offense.
• Section 15-23-65 Prosecuting attorney required to confer with victim before commencement of trial.
• Section 15-23-66 No right to direct prosecution.
• Section 15-23-67 Right to be present throughout proceedings.
• Section 15-23-68 Waiting area for victim; court to minimize contact of victim with defendant.
• Section 15-23-69 Testimony concerning information about victim; information about victim in court file.
• Section 15-23-70 Right to refuse defendant's request for interview.
• Section 15-23-71 Plea agreement.
• Section 15-23-72 Right to pre-sentence information.
• Section 15-23-73 Impact statement; right to review pre-sentence investigative report.
• Section 15-23-74 Right to present evidence, statement, etc., during sentencing or restitution proceedings.
• Section 15-23-75 Right to information concerning defendant's sentence, request for notice, post-conviction review, etc.
• Section 15-23-76 Right to be present and heard at court proceeding.
• Section 15-23-77 Right to have property returned.
• Section 15-23-78 Right to information from agency having physical custody of prisoner.
• Section 15-23-79 Submission of victim's statement into prisoner's records.
• Section 15-23-80 Facility with custody of defendant to send victim release opinion.
• Section 15-23-81 Victim to respond to subpoena/participate without loss of employment or fear of loss.
• Section 15-23-82 Clerk of court to accept and disburse restitution.
• Section 15-23-83 Assertion of rights by Attorney General or district attorney.
• Section 15-23-84 Failure to provide right or notice not grounds for setting aside sentence.
• Article 4 Testing of Person Charged with Certain Sex Crimes on Request of Alleged Victim.
• Section 15-23-100 Definitions.
• Section 15-23-101 Motion to order person charged to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Section 15-23-102 Order to submit to testing; designation of attending physician; access to results; post-testing counseling.
• Section 15-23-103 Confidentiality of results.
• Section 15-23-104 Payment of costs.