VICTIM RIGHTS IN FLORIDA ’ S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
1 . Information concerning available crisis intervention services , supportive or bereavement counseling , community-based victim treatment programs , the availability of crime protection services and crime victim compensation .
2 . Information about the role of the victim in the criminal justice system , the stages in the criminal and juvenile justice process which are of significance to a crime victim , and the manner in which such information can be obtained .
3 . Information concerning steps that are available to Law Enforcement Officers and State Attorneys to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation .
4 . Advance notification of judicial and post-judicial proceedings which relate to the offender ’ s arrest , release or community work release , provided that the victim gives the State Attorney ’ s Office her / his current name and address .
5 . In felony crimes or homicide , consultation by the State Attorney ’ s Office to obtain the views of the victim or in the case of a minor child , the guardian or the victim ’ s family regarding the release of the accused , plea agreements , participation in pretrial diversion programs , and the sentencing of the accused .
6 . Return of the victim ’ s property collected by Law Enforcement or the State Attorney ’ s Office for evidentiary purposes .
7 . Assistance from Law Enforcement or the State Attorney ’ s Office , when requested by victims , to inform the victim ’ s employer about necessary absences from work , and to explain to the victim ’ s creditors about serious financial hardship incurred as a result of the crime .
8 . Request restitution from the offender for certain out-of-pocket losses . The State Attorney shall inform the victim if and when restitution is ordered .
9 . Submit a Victim Impact Statement orally , or in writing , to the judge , prior to the sentencing of an offender who pleads guilty , nolo contendere , or is convicted of a felony crime .
10 . Information concerning the escape of the offender from a state correctional institution , county jail , juvenile detention facility , or involuntary commitment facility .
11 . Accompaniment by a victim advocate during any deposition of the victim or testimony of the victim of a sexual offense .
12 . Request HIV testing of the person charged with committing any sexual offense ( under Chapter 794 or F . S . 800.04 which involves the transmission of body fluids ). HIV test results shall be disclosed to the victim or the victim ’ s legal guardian , if the victim is a minor .
13 . Prompt and timely disposition of the court case ( as long as this right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused ).
14 . In the case of minors , if the victim or any sibling of the victim and the offender attend the same school , the victim and their siblings have the right to request that the offender be required to attend a different school .
15 . A victim of a sexual offense shall be informed of the right to have the courtroom cleared of certain persons as provided in F . S . 918.16 when the victim is testifying concerning that offense .
16 . The victims of domestic violence shall be provided with information regarding the address confidentiality program as provided in F . S . 741.465 .
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