Victims' Rights |
If you are the victim* of a federal crime, you have the following rights, as set forth in the Justice for All Act of 2004, 18 U.S.C. §3771: |
(1) The right to be reasonably protected from the accused. *According to the Act, a victim is "a person directly and proximately harmed as a result of the commission of a Federal offense or an offense in the District of Columbia. In the case of a crime victim who is under 18 years of age, incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased, the legal guardians of the crime victim or the representatives of the crime victim's estate, family members, or any other persons appointed as suitable by the court, may assume the crime victim's rights under this chapter, but in no event shall the defendant be named as such guardian or representative." The United States Attorney's Office will make our best efforts to ensure you are provided the rights described. Section 3771(c)(2) requires that we advise you that you have the right to retain counsel. Although the Act specifically sets forth your right to seek advice of an attorney with regard to your rights under the Act, there is no requirement that you retain counsel. The Government cannot advise you about specific counsel, nor can the Government (or the Court) pay for counsel to represent you. |
If you allege failure on the part of a Department of Justice Employee to provide you these rights you may file a written complaint. To access the complaint form on this webpage, please click here. |
To learn more about the Justice For All Act of 2004 please visit the Office for Victims of Crime. |
If you would like more information about U.S. Department of Justice programs, please visit these websites: U. S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime Federal Bureau of Investigation Office for Victim Assistance |