City Attorney

Minnesota provides crime victims with important rights as their case moves through the criminal justice system. These rights are detailed in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 611A and elsewhere under Minnesota statutes.

When the crime is reported to law enforcement

 

You have the right to:

 

• Ask the law enforcement agency to keep your identity private in reports available to the public if you fear for your safety or property. Information about sexual assault and exploitation and child abuse victims is automatically withheld from the public.
• Be notified of certain crime victim rights by law enforcement.
• Be provided information on the nearest crime victim assistance program or resource.
• Apply for reimbursement for certain non-property losses related to a violent crime.
• In cases of violent crime, domestic abuse, and harassment where an arrest has been made, be notified of any bail hearing and of the offender’s release along with information on the release conditions and supervising agency.
• In homicide cases, be notified of rights and procedures for protecting the deceased victim's property 

During the prosecution

You have a right to:

• Be notified of the prosecution of the case, the prosecution process, and all of your rights.
• Apply for reparations (financial compensation) for non-property losses related to a violent crime.
• Be notified of a proposed pretrial diversion referral for certain violent crimes and provide input.
• Be notified of a change in the hearing schedule if subpoenaed or asked to testify.
• Request restitution from the offender if there is a conviction.
• Be notified of the contents of a proposed plea agreement.
• Ask the prosecutor to request a speedy trial.
• Be notified of and attend the plea and sentencing hearings.
• Be present at court proceedings when the offender is a juvenile.
• Object to a proposed plea agreement at the plea hearing in writing or orally.
• If a presentence investigation is conducted, provide information about the impact of the crime and your position about the proposed disposition.
• Give a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing in writing or orally.
• If a community member, give a community impact statement at the sentencing hearing.
• Certain rights address your safety, privacy, and protection during the prosecution, including the right to:
• Be notified of a bail hearing in cases of violent crime and domestic abuse.
• A secure waiting area or safeguards against the offender and their supporters in the courthouse.
• Report witness tampering and violations of criminal no contact or civil protective orders.
• Ask that your home and employment addresses, telephone numbers, and birth date be withheld from the offender and in open court.
• Protection against employer retaliation for you or your family member(s) for taking reasonable time off to attend hearings or to testify in cases of violent crime.
• In homicide cases, to request a court order preventing an offender from disposing of the deceased victim's property. Laws also prevent the offender from financially benefiting from the crime.

If the person has been convicted

You have a right to:

• Be notified of the outcome of the case.
• Be notified of your post-conviction victim rights.
• Upon request, be notified of the release or escape from custody of the offender from jail or prison or transfer to a lower security facility.
• Make a confidential request that the court order an HIV test of the offender in cases of sexual assault and some violent crimes where there has been exposure to bodily fluids during commission of the crime.
• Be notified of an appeal, the right to attend the related hearing, and the result of that appeal.
• In felony or violent crime cases, be notified of a proposed modification to the sentence, the related hearing, and the right to provide input.
• Be notified of an expungement petition and hearing and the right to make a statement orally or in writing. The victim must request this notification.
• Be notified of a petition to civilly commit the offender and the outcome of that petition. If a civil commitment is ordered, the victim can request notification for the offender's release or other change in status.
• Apply for reimbursement for certain non-property losses related to a violent crime.
• Request restitution from the offender for out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the crime.
• Ask the offender's probation officer to schedule a hearing if the offender fails to pay restitution.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking

You have the right to:

• Be informed by the prosecutor of any decision to decline or dismiss a case along with information about seeking an order for protection or harassment restraining order at no cost.
• Terminate a lease without penalty or payment to escape a violent situation.​ 
• If a domestic violence victim, get a free copy of the incident report the responding law enforcement agency is required to write and keep identifying information withheld from the public upon request.
• If a domestic abuse victim, ask that the prosecutor file a criminal complaint.
• If a sexual assault victim, have a confidential sexual assault exam at no cost and receive notice of rights and resources from the medical facility.
• If a sexual assault victim, choose whether to have a sexual assault kit tested, and if submitted for testing, obtain information about the status of the kit.
• If a sexual assault victim, refuse a polygraph exam without impacting whether the investigation or prosecution will proceed.

More on crime victim rights

If you feel your crime victim rights have been violated Crime Victim Justice Unit (CVJU)

Your right to be notified More information on rights for victims

Your rights after a conviction More information on post-conviction rights for victims

Minnesota Crime Victim Rights Information Guide

MINNESOTA CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS - REFERENCE GUIDE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES AND PROFESSIONALS