Victim's Rights

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Recommended: Crime prevention approaches

Millions of Americans are victims of crime every year. Victims of crimes have rights which entitle them to special benefits and help as a result of a crime.

Crime is defined as any behavior that is punishable by a fine, a prison or jail sentence or in some cases both. There are two types of crime. The first type is a felony; the standard definition of a felony is any crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison or by death. The most common felonies are murder, robbery, treason, rape and kidnapping. The second type of crime is known as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is usually a less serious crime and is generally punishable by a fine and/ or incarceration in a county jail for up to one year. The most common misdemeanor crimes are petty theft, simple assault and minor in possession.

Many people have moved from the city with the hopes of escaping crime, but there is no escape, no community is crime free. In 2009 more that 22 million people were victims of a crime. The crime rates are decreasing which is encouraging but we all must pull together to stop all of the crime. If a person becomes a victim of a crime, a report of the crime should be made immediately, or as soon as possible. It is best to report the crime when the details are still fresh in the mind it, so that any information is not missed or overlooked during the investigation process. The crime can be reported to any police, sheriff or local law of enforcement agency. After reporting the crime it is very important that the victim cooperates with law enforcement so the process of investigation will go smoother and faster. There will be a lot of paper work and claims that will need to be filled out and filed. It is very important that the victim files all the p...

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...of being informed then the other rights would not be as effective. Crime victims should have special rights that entitle them to special benefits, a crime committed against a person whether it is a theft crime or a violent crime is still a crime and still a traumatic experience for anyone. Victims should not have to pay for the crime committed against them, whether financially, emotionally or physically and innocent victims should be compensated for all that they may have encountered caused by the commission of the crime.

Works Cited

www.denverda.org - Denver District Attorney Office – Victims Advocate Program

www.coloradocrimevictims.org

www.voicesofvictims.org/victimrights

www.justicecoalition.org – Justice Coalition

http://www.michie.com/colorado - Constitution of the State of Colorado, Article II Bill of Rights, Section 16a. Right of Crime Victims.

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