Protecting crime victims in Missouri

Crime victims and the Attorney General's Office

The Attorney General's Office aggressively works to enforce criminal laws and protect crime victims. Among the cases the office handles are special prosecutions including capital murder cases, defending the state against inmate lawsuits through the Attorney General's Litigation Division and working with state and federal legislators to reform laws that will protect Missourians.

The office has available a Crime Victims' Rights booklet that is available in html and pdf format. The booklet provides information on the judicial process in state and federal courts and court terms. E-mail us for a free copy of the booklet as well as a booklet on Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence. Please include your name, postal address, booklet name and number of copies needed.

To request notification of criminal appellate proceedings, crime victims and witnesses should complete a simple form available on this website. The victim services division of the Attorney General's office will handle your request and notify you of upcoming court proceedings.

To contact the victim services division of the Attorney General's office, please email or call Brenda Porter at 573-751-1338.

Crime Victims' Rights

State law guarantees crime victims and witnesses certain notification rights and participation in the criminal justice system:

The rights of crime victims and witnesses are found in Section 595.209 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and in Article 1, Section 32 of the Missouri Constitution.
Several state and national agencies and organizations can help crime victims.
Many counties in Missouri have advocates who can provide help and information to area crime victims.
Request to be notified about criminal appellate proceedings. Crime victims and witnesses to crimes can, on request, obtain case status information throughout the appellate process from the Attorney General's Office.
For more information see the Crime Victims' Rights publication available in html and pdf format.

More resources

In addition to the publications offered by the Attorney General's Office, victim advocates and government agencies, the following resources may be helpful.