Overview of Victims' Rights

Under the law, victims of Federal crimes such as antitrust violations are entitled to certain rights. Stated briefly, these are:

• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.
• The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding.
• The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding.
• The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, pleas, and sentencing.
• The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Antitrust Division handling the case.
• The right to restitution as provided in law.
• The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
• The right to be treated with fairness and respect.

How these rights are provided in any particular case will depend on the facts of the case, the need of the Government effectively to investigate and prosecute the crime, and the legal rights of the defendants.

While Antitrust Division attorneys prosecuting an antitrust case will do their best to see that victims receive the rights to which they are entitled, Division attorneys represent the United States and not the victims of antitrust violations. Crime victims are encouraged to seek the advice of their own attorneys concerning any of the rights listed above.

For more information on victims' rights and services provided by the Antitrust Division, refer to the Antitrust Division Victim-Witness Handbook (April 2006).