The right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect already existed in Ohio’s constitution. The right to privacy exists for all U.S. and Ohio citizens. Victims have the right to refuse interview, deposition or discovery requests made by the accused or by someone else on behalf of the accused. Victims of certain sex crimes have the right to ask the judge to order that the information in the police report not be released. If the judge grants the request, all names and details will remain confidential until after a preliminary hearing or an arraignment or until the case is dismissed.

Victims have the right to receive notice of public hearings involving the criminal offense or delinquent act against the victim. Victims have the right to attend the entire trial, including jury selection, and any related hearing or proceedings (except for grand jury proceedings) unless the court finds the victim’s presence interfere with the suspect’s right for a fair trial. Victims may request an advocate or support person accompany them to the court hearing.

Upon request, victims will be notified of the results of the case. If charges against the suspect are proved the prosecutor will provide information about the crimes the defendant was convicted of, information on the sentencing or dispositional hearing, an explanation that a victim may make a victim impact statement, contact information of the probation office preparing the pre-sentence or disposition investigation and victim impact statement, and information on any sentence imposed.

The Ohio Revised Code currently provide victims with the right to give victim impact statements at sentencing and parole hearings. Marsy’s Law expands the right to be heard to include other hearings such as release, including arraignment, and plea. The reasoning behind this is that the victim is often in a unique position to explain to the court the risk an offender poses upon release and to help the court understand the true impact of the crime before accepting a plea.

Within a reasonable amount of time after a suspect is arrested or detained, a law enforcement officer must give the victim the name of the person arrested or detained, information on whether the suspect is eligible for pretrial release, the law enforcement agency’s phone number, and information on how to check the status of the suspect’s bond and custody. Victims have the right to reasonable protection from the accused or people acting on behalf of the accused.

Victims have the right to receive notice of any release or escape of an offender. Victims of first-, second-, or third-degree violent felonies whose offenders are incarcerated with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction will receive automatic notification of release, transfer, escape, possible patrol, and other updates. Other victims must request notifications.

Victims have the right to refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request made by the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused.

Under Marsy’s Law, a court must consider full and timely restitution and, at minimum, hold a hearing when the issue of restitution is in dispute. Courts are required to order restitution, not to exceed a victim’s actual losses. Victims must still prove their losses in compensable categories. Read the Ohio Revised Code section on reparations.

Victims and their families may encounter physical, emotional, and economic hardship long after a crime occurs. Victims eligible for potential compensation are those who experienced crimes that pose a substantial threat of injury or death. Examples include assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, homicide, menacing, and stalking. Victims of motor vehicle crimes, including operating a vehicle while impaired and vehicular assault, may also be entitled to compensation. Victims who do not report a crime are not eligible for compensation. For more information contact the Crime Victim Services Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 1 (800) 582-2877 or OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Victims

Victims have the right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay and the right to a prompt conclusion to the case. If there is a motion or request to substantially delay prosecution of the case, the prosecutor must inform the victim. If the victim objects, the prosecutor must inform the court, and the court, to the extent possible, must consider the objection in ruling on the motion or request.

Victims, upon request, have the right to exercise their rights by themselves, with counsel or through the prosecutor. If a victim is a minor or is incapacitated, incompetent or deceased, or if the victim chooses to designate another person, a relative or another person may exercise the victim’s rights as their representative,