Crime Victims’ Rights
At Cohen Seglias, we understand that crime victims are more than just witnesses in legal proceedings and that not all crime victims are alike in terms of how they would like their case to be handled. Our attorneys previously served as federal and state prosecutors and law enforcement officers who prosecuted criminals and helped victims navigate the criminal justice system. Utilizing this experience, our Crime Victims’ Rights Group helps victims understand how the various legal systems operate and advises them on how to make those systems work best for them.
- Representing victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault in Title IX proceedings at colleges and universities.
- Representing the family of a murder victim in D.C. Superior Court, including during plea negotiations and at sentencing.
- Representing a seven-year-old victim of sexual abuse in moving to quash subpoenas served on his school and doctors for his personal medical, educational and mental health records.
- Representing a patient whose medical examination was unknowingly videotaped by her doctor in successfully seeking civil damages against him.
- Representing the victim of an assault in getting the prosecutors to overturn their initial decision not to prosecute and charge his assailant, including assisting the victim at sentencing.
In many criminal cases, victims of crimes are afforded rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and its state law equivalents, many of which may not be obvious to victims. Our attorneys help victims assert these rights in criminal proceedings, advocating for victims at every stage and ensuring their voices are heard and rights respected. Whether it is working with the government to ensure clients receive notice of court dates or helping an individual prepare to testify, our Group knows how to navigate complicated legal situations.
Victims’ Rights protected by the CVRA include:
- Protection from the accused
- Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of court proceedings regarding the crime
- Inclusion in public court hearings, except in carefully delineated situations
- A chance to be heard in any public hearing, including those involving release, pleas, sentencing, and parole
- A conference with government attorneys
- Possible restitution
- Proceedings free from unreasonable delay
- Fair and respectful treatment, heeding the victim’s privacy
Title IX Complainants
In Title IX proceedings, victims have an essential role to play and have certain rights available to them. These rights include school offered safety accommodations, the chance to provide evidence at hearings, and access to the accused’s evidence. Not only will victims in Title IX cases be expected to provide testimony at a hearing, but they will almost certainly face cross-examination. While the thought of being cross-examined can be intimidating to many people, it needn’t be if the victim is prepared.
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