Victim Rights in California

Victims of crime have the right to:

• Know the current status of your court case.
• Be assisted if called as a witness.
• Attend all sentencing proceedings.
• Speak in person; address the court in writing; or be represented by an attorney at the time of felony sentencing to express your views concerning the defendant, the crime, and its effects on you and your family.
• Have the court order restitution from the convicted person.
• Request the Board of Prison Terms to provide notice of any hearing to review or consider parole eligibility or parole-setting for prisoners in your case. You must keep the Board of Prison Terms informed of your current address if you wish to be notified.
• Speak personally; submit a letter, tape recording or video tape; or send an attorney to the parole hearing to express your views about the crime and the person responsible.