CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, Gregory K. Harris, emphasizes the impact of legislation to allow crime victims and their families information about court proceedings.

On October 30, 2004, the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) was enacted, giving crime victims rights to participate in the federal criminal justice system.

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Before the law went into effect, there were no requirements for prosecutors to inform victims. Four families of crime victims (Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston and Nila Lynn) and their exclusion from legal proceedings inspired lawmakers to create the CVRA.

The Department of Justice says victims of federal crimes have the following 10 rights under the law:

1. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.

2. The right to reasonable, accurate and timely notice of any public court proceeding or parole proceeding involving the offense or of any release or escape of the accused.

3. The right not to be excluded from such public judicial proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that the victim’s testimony would be materially altered if the victim were to hear other testimony at that hearing procedures.

4. The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentence, or any parole proceeding.

5. The reasonable right to consult with the government’s attorney in question.

6. The right to a full and timely refund, under the conditions provided by law.

7. The right to proceedings without unreasonable delay.

8. The right to be treated fairly and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.

9. The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement.

10. The right to be informed of the rights under this section and the services described in section 503(c) of the Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 (42 USC 10607(c)) and provided contact information for the Office of Victims. Justice Department Ombudsman.

Some recent prosecutions in the Central District of Illinois that have benefited from the CVRA include the family of a crime victim participating in a trial that ends in a conviction for Kevin Marshall of carjacking resulting in death and murder in July, against multiple victims testifying Emmanuel Howard and Evander Jordan in August and a kidnapping victim is watching Ademeko Maclin-Carney and Ausarian Carney trial that ended with their convictions earlier this month.

More information about CRVA can be found on DOJ website.

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