Your Right's As A Victim

We realize that for many persons being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems.  As a victim or witness, you have certain rights within the system.  This webpage is being provided to assist with questions you may have regarding those rights.  For further information regarding these rights, please contact the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) and/or the appropriate law enforcement agency (LEA) handling your case.

WHO IS A VICTIM?

“A victim is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act or against whom the crime or delinquent act is committed.  The term victim includes the victim’s lawful representative, the parent or guardian of a minor, or the next of kin of a homicide victim, except upon a showing that the interest of such individual would be in actual or potential conflict with the interests of the victim. The term “victim” does not include the accused.”  Article I, Section 16(b)(11), Florida Constitution.

Helpful Links

VINE is a free service that allows you to anonymously check on an offender’s custody status by phone, website, or mobile app. You can also register to receive automated notifications about changes in custody status by phone, email, text, or mobile app. TTY (hearing impaired) service is also available. Visit VINE Website for helpful downloads and tutorials.

Florida Attorney General - Application for Victims Compensation (myfloridalegal.com)

Welcome To The State Attorney’s Office, 18th Judicial Circuit: (sa18.org)

Florida Constitution ARTICLE I, SECTION 16 - Rights of Accused and of Victims