Under Oregon law, you have certain rights as the victim of a crime. Please note that certain rights require you to make a specific request to exercise them. It is very important you keep us advised of your current address and phone number. Your rights:
If you request, you can keep your address and phone number from the defendant.
If the defendant is released and threatens you, you can have a quick court hearing to get the defendant back into custody.
You have the right to know about the criminal background of the person charged and the sentencing confinement and the release of that person.
If you wish, you may be present and be heard at each important stage of the legal process.
If you request, you will be advised when these legal proceedings will take place.
You have the right to be informed of and considered regarding changes in court dates.
You may appear personally or with your own attorney, in addition to the deputy district attorney, and express your views at sentencing.
You have the right to receive prompt restitution from the person convicted of the act that caused your loss or injury.
You have the right to have all relevant evidence admissible against the criminal defendant.
You have the right to refuse to talk with a defendant's attorney or his representative; and if such a person contacts you, to be told who they are, that you do not have to talk with them and that you may have a deputy district attorney present if you decide to talk to them. In addition, you cannot be deposed unless you consent to it.
You have a right to have all the charges against a criminal defendant tried in a single trial.
If you request, you will be consulted about plea negotiations if the crime charged is a violent felony.
You have the right to a speedy trial by a jury composed of only registered voters who have not been convicted of felonies.
You have the right to have a defendant convicted of murder or aggravated murder with eleven instead of twelve guilty votes.
You have the right to know at the time of sentencing the actual sentence the defendant will serve.
You may obtain a copy of any written record made of court proceedings. This applies only if a written record is already prepared and does not present a reasonable charge to you for copying.
If you request, you may be notified 30 days before a criminal is released from prison.
If you request, and if you provide an address to the Board of Parole and Post Prison Supervision, you may be notified of and appear at hearings before the Board.
The decision to initiate criminal proceedings, and the conduct and prosecution of those proceedings, are the responsibility of the District Attorney. If you have any questions about your rights, please contact the deputy district attorney handling your case, at (503)842-3410 or contact our Victims' Assistance Program at (503)842-1241.