NCJ Number
121381
Date Published
1989
Length
48 pages
Annotation
Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act, which became effective in October 1985, provides comprehensive legal rights for victims, and amendments to the Act were passed in 1988 to extend rights to victims of juvenile crimes and serious misdemeanors.
Abstract
Article I of the Act applies to victims of felonies and 2-year misdemeanors. Individual sections in this article, and also in the subsequent two articles, define crime and law enforcement responsibilities toward victims. Within 24 hours of a crime, law enforcement must provide victims with information on emergency services, victim compensation, a victim's rights contact in the prosecutor's office, and who to contact if no arrest is made within 6 months. Law enforcement must provide notice of pretrial release, a method for victims to know if defendants are released from custody before trial, and bond revocation procedures if victims certify threats or intimidation. The prosecutor must provide information on victim rights and procedures, the court process, victim compensation, threat and intimidation protection procedures, court schedules and changes, and case disposition. Other sections of the articles deal with victim confidentiality, speedy trial for child abuse and criminal sexual conduct cases, the right of victims to be present at trial, victim protection from employer discipline, presentence victim impact statements, and restitution. Article II applies to victims of crimes committed by juveniles, while Article III applies to victims of serious misdemeanors. Procedures to help victims obtain financial assistance are noted, along with victim contacts and telephone numbers in Michigan.