Rights and Options for Victims

What are my rights as a victim

Article II, Section 16A of the Colorado State Constitution guarantees specific rights to victims of crimes such as:

• Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect and be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the criminal justice process
• Be notified of and present at court proceedings in your case
• Consult with the Prosecution about the disposition of the case
• Be heard at the defendant’s sentencing, modification of sentence, acceptance of a plea, bond reduction or modification, or parole hearing
• Have the court determine restitution
• Upon written request, be informed of the status of the case post-sentencing
• Information about what steps can be taken in case there is any intimidation or harassment
• Apply for victim compensation in cases involving violent crime. Call the Victim Compensation Admin at the Division of Criminal Justice: 303-239-4493 or 888-282-1080.
• Information about and referrals to services and assistance.
• Be informed about the legal remedies available to you.

This is a partial list of Victims’ Rights in the State of Colorado.  For a complete list, contact your local law enforcement agency or District Attorney’s Office.

What crimes are covered by Colorado victim rights

If you are a victim of any of the following crimes, the Colorado Constitution and CRS Title 24 Article 4.1 Part III guarantees your rights.  If the victim is deceased or incapacitated, these rights are guaranteed to the victim’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, significant other, or other lawful representative.

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Criminally negligent homicide
• Vehicular homicide
• All assaults including vehicular assault
• All sexual assaults
• Menacing
• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Incest
• Child abuse
• Sexual Exploitation of children
• Crimes against at risk adults
• All crimes involving domestic violence
• Stalking
• Bias motivated incidents
• Careless driving that results in a death
• Failure to stop at the scene of an accident that has resulted in a death
• Retaliation of a victim/witness
• Intimidation of a victim/witness
• Tampering with a victim/witness
• Indecent exposure
• Violation of a Protection order against a person charged with sexual assault

What can I expect?

The initial shock following a crime, sudden death, or other trauma is a harsh and painful reality for everyone involved.  However, everyone reacts differently when faced with crisis.  Some common reactions may include:

• Shock, disbelief, numbness
• Anxiety, panicky feelings
• Feeling lost, difficulty concentrating
• Irritability, tearfulness, or anger
• Blaming, self-doubt, guilt
• Sleeping Disturbances, loss of appetite
• Flashbacks, unwanted memories
• Depression and sadness
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Relationship problems
• Unexplained physical pain

After some time has passed, it is possible to experience a full life after a crime or tragedy.  As most people work through their feelings about the event, they begin to accept that they did the best they could in the situation and have renewed energy to focus on their lives again.

What can family and friends do?

Remember that your loved one has just experienced a stressful event, regardless of how they may be acting now.  Listen carefully to them.  Allow them to share what they are feeling.  Do what you can to help them feel safe.  Avoid statements that may make the victim feel they were to blame for the crime.  Instead, reassure them that it was not their fault.  Allow them to take control back over their own lives and be there to support them.

People who care about the victims can often fell stress too.  Do not be afraid to seek help for your own needs.

Can I be compensated for my crime?

Victims of certain crimes and the victims’ immediate family members may be eligible for financial assistance from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.  Victims may receive help with many of their losses directly related to the crime, such as medical and mental health bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and replacement of doors, locks or windows damaged during the commission of a crime.  There are eligibility requirements for victims to apply for monies from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and funds are not necessarily awarded to every victim who applies.  For more information, contact your local District Attorney’s Office:

Weld County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program

How can I get a copy of my police report

Anyone can request copies of reports at the UNC Police Department during normal business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday).  There is a Search and Retrieval Fee of $4.00 as well as a $0.25 per page Copy Fee.  These fees are waived if the victim is picking up a copy of their own report.  The UNC Police Department is in Gray Hall on central campus of UNC.