If you have been a victim or are the designated family member of a victim of certain crimes, you may be entitled to certain rights under Louisiana’s Crime Victim Bill of Rights. That includes, but is not limited to:

  • The right to receive emergency or social or medical services as soon as possible;
  • The right to be notified of a defendant’s arrest, release on recognizance, posting of bond, release pending charges being filed, release due to rejection of charges by the district attorney, escape or re-apprehension;
  • The right to be interviewed in a private setting and to a secure area during criminal proceedings;
  • The right to requests for assistance by judicial and law enforcement agencies in informing employers that the need for cooperation in the prosecution of the case may necessitate absence from work;
  • The right to reasonable notice and to be present and heard during all critical stations of pre-conviction and post-conviction proceedings, and the right to be notified of scheduling changes of criminal justice proceedings;
  • The right to consult with the prosecution prior to the trial and final disposition of the case;
  • The right to refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused;
  • The right to review and comment upon the pre-sentence report prior to imposition of sentencing and the right to be notified of the minimum and maximum sentence allowed by law;
  • The right to be present at all phases of the court proceedings, including the sentencing hearing;
  • The right to make a written or oral impact statement;
  • The right to seek restitution; and,
  • The right to a reasonably prompt conclusion to the case.