when can a lawyer contact the victim

If you are accused of a sex offense, your attorney has the option to contact the alleged victim. There is no law that prohibits your attorney from calling, emailing, or sending a letter to the alleged victim asking for a conversation or meeting.

Full Answer

Can my lawyer contact the alleged victim?

If you are accused of a sex offense, your attorney has the option to contact the alleged victim. There is no law that prohibits your attorney from calling, emailing, or sending a letter to the alleged victim asking for a conversation or meeting.

When should a crime victim hire their own attorney?

If a crime victim feels that their goals and desires are different that the prosecutor’s, they should consider hiring their own attorney. This can help with several factors in their case. Marsy’s Law (also known as the Victim’s Bill of Rights) states that:

Do victims have to speak to the defendant?

Of course, the victim or other person is under no obligation to speak with the defendant. If a victim is contacted by anyone under any circumstances that makes them concerned about their safety, they should immediately contact the police.

How can a private attorney help a crime victim?

Working with a private attorney means that crime victims will have a dedicated advocate to appear in court and object to any proposed plea deals. While it doesn’t guarantee that a particular case will go to trial, it often has a profound effect on the judge and may cause them to re-evaluate the parameters of the agreement.

Can lawyers defend clients they know are guilty?

Yes. Defense attorneys are ethically bound to zealously represent all clients, the guilty as well as the innocent.

Why do prosecutors sometimes choose not to prosecute criminal cases?

Prosecutors may decline to press charges because they think it unlikely that a conviction will result. No matter what the prosecutor's personal feelings about the case, the prosecutor needs legally admissible evidence sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What happens when there is no witness?

If a witness in a criminal case refuses to testify, he or she could be found in contempt of court. Being in contempt could result in jail time and/or a fine. A victim in a domestic violence or sexual assault case, however, cannot be jailed for refusing to testify.

Is a victim a witness?

A witness is a person who saw a crime or was a victim of a crime.

Is a witness statement enough to convict?

What is reassuring for defendants is that whilst a signed statement from a complainant is enough for a charge, it is not necessarily enough to secure a conviction. The complainant must be able to convince the jury or magistrates that the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

What is enough evidence charge?

Police officers usually make arrests based only on whether they have good reason (probable cause) to believe a crime has been committed. By contrast, prosecutors can file formal charges only if they believe that they can prove a suspect guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Can you withdraw a victim statement?

Once you have made a victim personal statement you cannot withdraw or change it. However, if you feel you have found further longer term effects of the crime you may be able to make another statement that updates the information provided in the first one.

Can I be charged without evidence?

You cannot be arrested without evidence. In order to be arrested for a criminal offense a police officer must have probable cause. Probable cause is a legal standard less than reasonable doubt.

Can I refuse to be a witness in court?

A person can be compelled (forced) to attend court and give evidence if they have been deemed competent to do so. The exceptions to this rule are the accused themselves, the accused's spouse or civil partner and those not deemed competent to give evidence.

What are the 3 rights of victims witnesses * Your answer?

The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding. The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case. The right to full and timely restitution as provided by law.

How do victims witnesses view the court process?

Witnesses: As a general rule, witnesses are not permitted to watch court proceedings. ... Victims that are testifying at the trial: Although victims have a right to attend public court proceedings, they lose this right if a judge decides that the victim's testimony would be affected by hearing other testimony at the trial.More items...•

Who decides a case after hearing the evidence at trial?

In a trial, the judge — the impartial person in charge of the trial — decides what evidence can be shown to the jury. A judge is similar to a referee in a game, they are not there to play for one side or the other but to make sure the entire process is played fairly.

Can a defense lawyer talk to witnesses?

Sure, with your consent. There is nothing wrong with defense talking to witnesses on the case; in fact, it's their job to investigate the case. Often times these discussions are very helpful in resolving the case as quickly as possible. The more the attorney knows, the better s/he will be able to advise the client on how to proceed.#N#More

Can a Brad's attorney meet with you?

Yes "Brad's" attorney can meet with you. The attorney may do so alone by probably will have an investigator accompany him or her or as anothe attorney suggested may send an investigator to interview you. You do not have to meet with the defense attorney or investigator. Some states and the federal government have "victim/witness" coordinators who can help you repond to this request. In some cases, a defense interview may help resolve the case.

Why should a crime victim hire a lawyer?

For those who are victims of a crime, it can often feel like the criminal justice system is leaving them behind when it comes to addressing their needs and desires for the outcome of their case . Many victims don’t realize that only the defendant will be provided with an attorney if necessary, ...

What is the Victim's Bill of Rights?

Marsy’s Law (also known as the Victim’s Bill of Rights) states that: It is the unequivocal intention of the People of the State of California that all persons who suffer losses as a result of criminal activity shall have the right to seek and secure restitution from the persons convicted of the crimes causing the losses they suffer.

What is the most frustrating aspect of a crime victim's case?

One of the most frustrating aspects of a crime victim’s case is that the prosecutor will sometimes try and cut a deal with the defendant’s attorney to avoid going to trial. This frequently means the defendant will receive a less severe punishment than if they had gone to trial and been convicted.

What does it mean to work with a private attorney?

Working with a private attorney means that crime victims will have a dedicated advocate to appear in court and object to any proposed plea deals.

What are the common causes of civil cases?

Civil cases are common when: A victim is injured by a drunk driver. A landlord provides inadequate security. A school or business fails to provide a safe environment for students or employees.

Should a crime victim hire their own attorney?

If a crime victim feels that their goals and desires are different that the prosecutor’s, they should consider hiring their own attorney. This can help with several factors in their case.

Can a victim hire their own attorney?

In our experience, few victims are told by the district attorney’s office that, under Marsy’s Law, victims are entitled to hire their own attorney to represent their interests in court.

Your Defense Attorney Options

If you are accused of a sex offense, your attorney has the option to contact the alleged victim. There is no law that prohibits your attorney from calling, emailing, or sending a letter to the alleged victim asking for a conversation or meeting.

Have You Been Accused of a Sex Crime?

If you have been accused of committing any type of sex offense, you need to contact an experienced defense attorney. Hiring a lawyer is the best way to receive a thorough analysis of your case and objective opinion regarding the best and worst possible outcomes.

What are the rights of a victim?

Victims' rights laws apply to victims whether or not the victim testifies as a witness. The right to be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity and privacy; The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender; The right to be notified of court proceedings;

What is the Victim Witness Program?

If you are a victim or a witness, the Victim-Witness Program of the United States Attorney's office can help you understand the rights given to you by law. The United States Attorney 's office is committed to ensuring that crime victims and witnesses are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. This pamphlet will provide answers ...

What happens when a defendant pleads guilty?

However, if the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty, the victim has several opportunities to let the court know how the crime affected his/her life.

What happens in a felony case?

What Happens in Felony Cases. Victims of crime, and other people who have knowledge about the commission of a crime, are often required to testify at a trial or at other court proceedings. The federal criminal justice system cannot function without the participation of victims and witnesses.

When does a plea agreement take place?

Plea Agreements. When the United States Attorney reaches an agreement with a defendant, a plea agreement is established. A guilty plea can take place at any time, and can even take place after trial has begun. To the public and to many victims, plea bargaining has a negative image.

Can victims attend sentencing hearings?

Victims may attend the sentencing hearing, and victims of violent crimes or crimes involving sexual abuse will also have the opportunity to address the court at this time. This is called victim allocution, and is discussed further in Section III, (A) (8) "The Sentencing Hearing.".

Who can report a federal crime?

Victims and witnesses of federal offenses may be interviewed by a law enforcement officer prior to the filing of a complaint. In those situations, the officer will report the victims' or witnesses' statements to the Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the case.

Disclaimer

The contents of this web page are for informational purposes only, and nothing you read is intended to be legal advice. Please review our disclaimer about law/legal-related information on this website before taking action based upon anything you read or see.

Introduction

Criminal cases involving person crimes are rarely simple, open and shut kinds of matters.

Roles of The Parties

To understand what the victim can do in the case (versus what the defendant can or cannot do), it first helps to understand the victim’s role in the case.

Helping The Defendant

Because the victim is not on one side or the other, she can decide if she wants to help one, the other, both, or neither.