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Victim's Rights
Cortney Carl, Coordinator
Mia Miller, Jessica Miller & Jill Waelens, Advocates
201 McMorran Blvd., Suite 3308
Port Huron, MI 48060
(810) 985-2301
Fax (810) 985-2424
Email
In 1985 the State of Michigan enacted the Crime Victim’s Rights Act. As a
result, victims of crime have the statutory right to representation in the
criminal justice system. To better protect these rights of victims, our office
has established the Victim’s Rights Unit to assist victims in understanding and
exercising these rights. The attorneys and staff of the St. Clair
County Prosecutor’s Office are committed to the public safety of our community
and the pursuit of justice in our court system. The staff of the Victim’s Rights
Unit serve as an independent advocate for crime victims in our county,
providing information and services to assure these rights are protected. Please
review the following information and contact the Victim’s Rights Unit to take
advantage of your rights.
Pursuant to the Crime Victim’s Rights Act of 1985, victims have the right to the
following:
- Conference with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney prior to the selection of a
jury or the start of trial. This includes consultation prior to the finalization
of any negotiations that may result in a dismissal, plea, or sentence
recommendation.
- Appearance at the trial, unless restricted by the court, and freedom from
employer threats or acts of discharge when required to appear in court.
- Access to a safe and secure waiting area separate from the defendant and his/her
family.
- Representation at sentencing if the defendant is found guilty. Victims may
provide an oral or written statement to the sentencing judge and make an impact
statement to the pre-sentence investigator.
- Return of property held by the police agency when it is no longer needed as
evidence. This is usually after the defendant is sentenced.
- Restitution if you have suffered direct physical or financial harm as a result
of crime. Restitution may be ordered by the court at the time of sentencing to
be paid by the defendant.
- Compensation for medical bills if a victim has suffered a personal injury as a
direct result of a crime. Victims may also be eligible for compensation through
the Crime Victim’s Compensation Claim Board located in Lansing, Michigan.
Assistance may include costs of counseling, rehabilitation, and loss of
earnings. Further information can be obtained from their website at:
Victim's Rights Compensation or at
www.michigan.gov/crimevictims.
Upon request, crime victims are entitled to notification under the Crime
Victim’s Rights Act of the following:
- All court dates including the final disposition of the case.
- Appeals filed by the defendant of his/her conviction and the outcome of
appellate proceedings.
- Changes in incarceration status if the defendant is sentenced to serve time in
the County Jail, Michigan Prison System, or Juvenile Detention Center. You will
be provided a form that will allow you to request notice of transfer, parole,
release or escape.
To take advantage of these notification rights, a victim must notify the
Victim’s Rights Unit by completing the Legal Rights Request Form which can be
found on our Requesting your Rights page. Changes in contact information must be communicated to the Victim’s Unit
to allow proper notification, you may email
Victim's Rights
or call (810) 985-2301, our office with any updates.
Our office will not disclose your information to the defendant or the defense attorney.
Victim's Rights Forms
The following forms are available to assist you as a victim with various
services available to you.
Contact Information
St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney
201 McMorran Blvd., Suite 3300
Port Huron, MI 48060
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Photos courtesy of the Port Huron Times Herald and St. Clair County Sheriff's Department
