Ohio Victims' Rights
In the Ohio Revised Code, there is a chapter dedicated to rights of individuals victimized by crime (ORC 2930). You have these rights if you are the victim of any felony (both property and violent crimes) or if you are the victim of a violent misdemeanor crime. These rights also apply to victims in juvenile court.
Victims should have reasonable notice, information, access, protection and a meaningful role in the criminal justice process.
A Right to be Informed
Automatic Rights (ORC 2930.04)
Provided with the Ohio Attorney General's booklet "Picking up the Pieces"
Name and telephone number of the law enforcement officer investigating your case and the prosecutor on the case
Victim assistance information - i.e. medical care, counseling, housing
Information about the arrest or detention of the defendant and his/her name, whether or not he/she is eligible for pretrial release (ORC 2930.15)
Upon Request
Of court proceedings, such as acquittal or conviction, sentence, appeals, parole (ORC 2930.12)
Of offender escape, death, or court hearing travel (ORC 2930.16)
A Right to be Present
At any hearing that the defendant is at (with exception, such as grand jury or ruling by a judge) (ORC 2930.09)
Supported by Ohio Constitution and Criminal Rule 615
A Right to be Heard
To confer with prosecutor before any plea change, if practical (ORC 2930.06)
To make a Victim Impact Statement, both written and oral, for Pre-sentence Reports, Sentencing, and Release Hearings (ORC 2930.14)
Court may redact information for victim safety (ORC 2930.14)
Other Rights
Representative may be appointed / support person be present (ORC 2930.02)
Property protected and returned promptly, if applicable (ORC 2930.11)
Separate waiting area and/or minimum contact with defendant (ORC 2930.10)
Employer cannot discipline for missing work at prosecutor's request or with subpoena (no pay is okay) (ORC 2930.18)
A justice system advocate from Cleveland Rape Crisis Center can answer questions about these rights and the criminal justice process. Call 216-619-6194 x 103 for more information.
