In the Commonwealth of Virginia, Victims’ Rights are governed by Va. Code Section 19.2-11.01, known as the Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act. This statute gives victims several important rights, and Joan Ziglar strives always, with her Victim Witness Program, to respect those rights, and work with victims however she can.

Victims’ Rights Under Law

• Victims and witnesses are entitled to know what kind of protection is available to them.
• Victims and witnesses are entitled to a separate waiting area during court proceedings, to give them privacy and protection from defendants, defendants’ families, and opposing witnesses.
• Victims are entitled to know about their rights of compensation for their injuries from the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund.
• Victims are entitled to having their property held as evidence returned as quickly as possible.
• Victims shall be told about and assisted with receiving restitution for their injuries or loss.
• Victims are entitled to:
• Help with their employers, to ensure that they will lose a minimal amount of pay and other benefits due to court appearances.
• Advice that it is illegal for employers to penalize them for appearing in court when summoned.
• Victims are entitled, if they request it, to notice of any judicial proceeding in their cases.
• Victims are entitled to notice when the custodial status of an offender (that is, whether and where they are held in jail) changes.
• Victims have the right to have their contact information held confidential upon request.
• Victims are entitled to prepare or deliver a victim impact statement to the court prior to or at the sentencing of the offender, telling the court how the crime has affected them.
• Victims are entitled to testify about the impact of the crime.
• In a felony case, victims are, upon request, entitled to:
• Be informed of the contents of a proposed plea agreement;
• To give their opinion about any disposition of the case, whether by dismissal, pleas, or sentencing.