Los Derechos de las Víctimas de Crímenes

• El derecho a información acerca de todos los eventos relacionados con el caso.
• El derecho a tener un fiscal y/o defensor de la víctima presente cuando una víctima está siendo entrevistada.
• El derecho a saber la localización del ofensor(a) a todo momento desde el arresto hasta la liberación de supervisión.
• El derecho a protección de intimidación, acoso, discriminación y abuso en todo el sistema críminal de justicia.
• El derecho a atender los procedimientos de la corte al menos que la corte determine que la ausencia de la víctima es necesaria para un juicio justo.
• El derecho a una copia gratis de los documentos públicos en su caso. Los documentos de la corte están disponibles por el secretario de la corte en el condado en el cual el caso fue procesado.
• Las víctimas y miembros de la familia inmediata de crímenes sexuales tienen el derecho a pedir que el juez de sentencia, la junta de libertad condicional o el oficial de libertad condicional le ordenen al ofensor que no tenga contacto con ellos.

Los estatutos relacionados con víctimas están incluidos en el Título 46, Capítulo 24 de Los Códigos Anotados de Montana (MCA). Lea las leyes acerca del trato a  las víctimas y a sus testigos.

El Departamento de Correcciones de Montana tiene información acerca de la seguridad de la víctima, notificación, sentencia por delito grave, restitución, Junta de Libertad Condicional, Compensación a las víctimas del crímen, y mucho más. Visite El Departamento de Correcciones de Montana.

¿Cómo consigo más ayuda?

Aplique en Línea

Usted puede aplicar en línea a la Asociación de los Servicios Legales de Montana www.mtlsa.org. Luego de que usted entregue la aplicación en línea un miembro del personal de MLSA le contactará para hacer una cita para completar su aplicación.

Aplique por Teléfono

Usted también puede llamar a la Línea de Ayuda al (800) 666- 6899 para hablar con un miembro del personal de MLSA. Las horas de la Línea de Ayuda son limitadas.

Si usted califica para ayuda:

• Podemos darle una cita  para que hable con un defensor de MLSA.
• Podemos darle información escrita acerca de sus derechos legales.
• Podemos pedirle que envíe más información acerca de su caso.
• Podemos referirle a un abogado voluntario o a una clínica legal de auto ayuda.
• Todo lo que usted le diga a MLSA permanece privado y confidencial.

You and your family have the right to be present. You and your family cannot be excluded from the courtroom during trial unless the judge specifically orders it. If you need an interpreter you can ask the court to provide one. You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-24-106.

You have the right to meet with the prosecutor to discuss the dismissal of the case, the release of the accused before trial, plea negotiations, and any proposal that would remove the case from court proceedings (pre-trial diversion programs).  You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-24-104.

You have a right to give a victim impact statement, which the judge will consider for sentencing. A victim impact statement is your opportunity to let the court and the perpetrator know how the crime affected you. Your statement can cover what happened, the way it happened and what you think is an appropriate sentence. You can give your statement in writing before or at sentencing. You can have an advocate read your statement at court, or you can give your statement orally under oath at the sentencing hearing. You have a right to make a statement if the offender requests a waiver of restitution. You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-115.

You have the right to make a statement to the Parole Board. You can present statements in person, by letter, or by video. Your statement can describe the impact of the crime on your life, what happened, how the crime happened, and whether or not you think the offender should be paroled. The Parole Board must consider your statement in making their decision. You may ask for your statement to be kept confidential. You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-24-212.

You have the right to provide your opinion on the disposal of evidence, to get your belongings back or request evidence (such as police photos of injuries) be destroyed. When the court and law enforcement no longer need the evidence that was collected, the prosecutor may request the destruction or release of the evidence. You can tell the court your opinion about the destruction, distribution or further use of the evidence and the court must consider your statement in making their decision. You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-24-206.

Restitution is the offender’s debt to the victim for losses caused by the crime. The Judge can order restitution for expenses such as medical and dental bills, mental health counseling, stolen or damaged property, lost wages, travel and relocation costs, future expenses related to the crime, and funeral costs for homicide victims. Keeping copies of bills and receipts of all expenses related to the crime can help the court determine the amount of your loss. You can give copies of these bills and receipts to the prosecuting attorney in charge of your case.  Learn more about Restitution. You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-18-201.

You may also be able to apply for Crime Victim Compensation before the offender is convicted.  Crime Victim Compensation helps victims with some expenses resulting from a crime. CVC includes victims and some family members of physical or sexual violence, or family members of homicide victims.  Learn more about Crime Victim Compensation. The rules that govern the Crime Victim Compensation Program can be found at Administrative Rules of Montana 23.15.101.

As a crime victim, you have a right to information on the services available to protect you from intimidation, including information on obtaining a protective order from the court. Law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys must provide you with this information. You can find the law about these rights at Montana Code Annotated § 46-24-202.

Learn more about keeping yourself safe. 

Learn more about obtaining an Order of Protection in Montana. 

If you are the victim of a sexual offense, you have a right to request a sentencing order or condition of release (probation or parole) that prevents the convicted person from having any contact with you.

Laws in Montana pertaining to victims’ rights are under Title 46, Chapter 24 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). You can find those laws here: MCA Victims' Rights

Montana Department of Justice has information regarding how Montana law applies to rape examinations, address confidentiality, Hope Cards, orders of protection, and more. You can find that information here: Montana DOJ Office of Victim Services or call the Office of Victim Services at 800-498-6455 or 406-442-2174.

Montana Department of Corrections has information regarding safety, notification, felony sentencing, restitution, parole, Crime Victims Compensation fund, and more. You can find that information here: Montana DOC Victim Information or call the victim services line at 888-223-6332 or 406-444-0447.

Additionally, The National Crime Victim Law Institute has crime victim rights information and resources for crime victims and professionals. You can find those resources here: National Crime Victim Law Institute.

If you need more assistance, you can apply for services with Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA).You can apply to MLSA via online or telephone at: MontanaLawHelp.org or 800-666-6899.

If you qualify for assistance through MLSA -you may receive services such as advice appointments, written information regarding your legal help, or volunteer attorney assistance. Everything you tell MLSA is kept private and confidential.