The Crime Victims’ Rights Act creates several enforcement mechanisms for victims of crime. Either the crime victim or the Government may assert the victim’s rights in federal district court. If, after making a motion in the district court, a victim or the Government is not satisfied that the victim’s rights have been recognized, either may file a petition for a writ of mandamus with the court of appeals. The court of appeals must issue a decision within 72 hours of filing, and if it denies the relief sought, must state in a written opinion the reasons for the denial.
There are resources available to assist crime victims in criminal cases. The National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) actively promotes balance and fairness in the justice system through crime victim centered legal advocacy, education, and resource sharing. NCVLI has several initiatives to ensure that victims’ rights are actively enforced.
With funding from OVC, NCVLI awarded subgrants to pro bono legal clinics in 11 states.
Arizona Voice for Crime Victims
602-416-6780
Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center in Colorado
303-295-2001
DC Crime Victims’ Resource Center
202-531-3346
Victims’ Rights Clinic at the University of Idaho
208-885-6541
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center
301-952-0063
New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center, Inc.
973-729-9342
New Mexico Victims Rights Legal Assistance
505-292-2838
New York Women’s Clinic for Victim Protection (New York Legal Assistance Group)
212-613-5016
Oregon Crime Victims Law Center
503-208-8160
South Carolina Crime Victim Legal Network
803-750-1200
Utah Crime Victim’s Legal Clinic
801-746-1204
The National Crime Victim Bar Association provides technical support to attorneys representing crime victims in civil suits, refers crime victims to lawyers in their local area, and works to increase general awareness about the availability of civil remedies for victims of crime.