In 1985 the Minnesota State Legislature enacted Minnesota Statute 611A called the Crime Victims Bill of Rights. This entitles victims of crime to rights involving their case. Some examples are:

1. The right to be notified of and attend all hearings.
2. The right to be notified of plea agreements, with the defendant and the right to make objections to the Court in person or in writing.
3. The right to attend the sentencing and express the impact of the crime on you and/or your family.
4. The right to be notified of the defendant's release.
5. The right to restitution for damages and/or expenses you had as a result of a crime.

The Victim Services Staff Advocate of Dodge County is available to answer any questions you may have about exercising your rights if you become the victim of a crime. In addition we do short term counseling with crime victims to support them through the lengthy court process and offer support and preparation if/when they may testify. The Victim Services Program of Dodge, Fillmore & Olmsted Counties is actually two programs combined. One program, the Victim/Witness Program focuses on assisting general crime victims (assault, vandalism, burglary, etc.). The other, the Sexual Assault Program focuses on assisting and supporting sexual assault victims. These services are available free of charge. In addition we provide community education on the dynamics of victimization and the struggles crime victims may face.

If your civic or church group wishes to learn more about Victim Services feel free to call 507-635-6266 to arrange a time to meet.

More importantly if you or someone you know has become the victim of crime give us a call, we'll do our best to help.