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Florida Crime Victim Bill of Rights
Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin of
homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present, and
to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to the
extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the
accused.
Florida Constitutional Amendment, Article I
Sec. 16. Rights of accused and of victims
(a) In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall, upon demand, be informed of
the nature and cause of the accusation against him, and shall be furnished a
copy of the charges, and shall have the right to have compulsory process for
witnesses, to confront at trial adverse witnesses, to be heard in person, by
counsel or both, and to have a speedy and public trial by impartial jury in the
county where the crime was committed. If the county is not known, the indictment
or information may charge venue in two or more counties conjunctively and proof
that the crime was committed in that area shall be sufficient; but before
pleading the accused may elect in which of those counties he will be tried.
Venue for prosecution of crimes committed beyond the boundaries of the state
shall be fixed by law.
(b) Victims of crime or their lawful representatives, including the next of kin
of homicide victims, are entitled to the right to be informed, to be present,
and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal proceedings, to
the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of
the accused.
Also see: Florida Statutes Chapter 960 - Victim Assistance:
960.001 Guidelines for fair treatment of victims.
Victim Services 24-Hour Hotline
- (800) 569-7273
The State Attorney Victim Services Division has a 24-hour
Hotline.
If you are a victim and would like to speak with someone,
call the Hotline any time day or night and a Victim Advocate will assist you.
24-Hour Rape Crisis Line - 1-866-828-7273
(RAPE)
If you are a sexual violence victim and would like to speak with someone,
call the Rape Crisis Line any time day or night and a Victim Advocate will
assist you.
According to Florida Statute, this is a Confidential Call.
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BRUCE COLTON
STATE ATTORNEY |
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