Victim Assistance Program

A Victim’s Guide Rights & Services

24 HOUR CRISIS LINE 503-655-8616

Under Oregon Law, YOU have certain rights as the victim in a criminal case. It is important that you know these rights. Please read the information carefully and note that it is your responsibility in exercising your rights at each step in the case.

When Criminal Charges are Filed With the Court

• You have the right to be reasonably protected from the defendant throughout the entire criminal justice process.
• You have the right to be present at, and upon specific request, to be informed in advance of any critical stage of the proceedings held in open court when the defendant will be present, and to be heard at the pretrial release hearing and the sentencing or juvenile court delinquency disposition

When the Defendant Appears in Court

• If you request, you have the right to have your current address and phone number kept from the defendant
• You have the right to a court hearing if you are being intimidated or threatened by the defendant.
• You have the right to refuse an interview, deposition or other requests by the defendant or any person acting on behalf of the defendant.
• You have the right to be told the identity of persons working for the defendant. You do not have to talk to or make a formal statement to anyone representing the defendant unless you choose to. You may request to have a deputy district attorney present if you do decide to speak with them.
• If you request, you have the right to be consulted by the deputy district attorney about plea negotiations on your case, if the case involves a felony crime.
• If you request, you have the right to be informed of any changes in court dates and hearing (includes pre-trial and trial).

When The Case Goes To Trial

• You have the right to have all relevant evidence admissible against the defendant.
• You have the right to obtain a copy of a transcript of any court proceeding in open court (if one is prepared), at a reasonable cost to you.

At Sentencing

• You have the right to personally express your views to the court as a Victim Impact Statement or to ask the deputy district attorney to do so for you, or you can hire an attorney (at your own expense) to express your views.
• You have the right to have the judge consider ordering a compensatory fine to be paid to you by the convicted criminal when the evidence supports such an order.
• You have the right to know, at the time of sentencing, the actual length of time the defendant will serve in custody.

After Sentencing

• You have the right to receive restitution from the convicted criminal who caused your loss or injury.
• If you request, you have the right to obtain information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, criminal history and future release from physical custody of the defendant, convicted criminal (or youth).
• If you request, and provide the Board of Post-Prison Supervision with your address, you have the right to be notified of, and appear at, any Parole Hearings. The Board must be updated with your current mailing address.
• If you request, you have the right to be notified 30 days before the convicted criminal is released from prison.

Available Services

• 24-hour Crisis Line for support and crisis intervention; regardless of law enforcement involvement.
• Assistance with applications of Domestic, Stalking, Sexual Assault & Elder Abuse Protective Orders.
• Advocating for & informing victims of Victim Rights.
• Liaison between the victim of a crime and the prosecutor or law enforcement agency, as requested.
• General information regarding the process of the criminal justice system with court accompaniment, as requested by the victim.
• Referrals to community service agencies, shelters and counselors.
• Assistance in filing for financial compensation from the State of Oregon Department of Justice through the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

You have the right to be informed as soon as practical of Victim Rights. If you have questions about these rights contact:

Victim Assistance Program
503-655-8616

District Attorney
503-655-8431

The Law Enforcement Agency
where the crime was reported.

The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

The 1999 Constitutional changes were enacted by the people and the Legislature of the State of Oregon. These provisions give you the rights set forth in this brochure and set the guidelines for the services provided by the Department of Justice-approved and prosecutor-based victim services program serving your needs in Clackamas County. You are encouraged to become familiar with your rights and ensure that your wishes are known to the District Attorney’s Office and its Victim Assistance program.