Provo City

Victim's and Witness's Rights


Under Utah Law (Utah Criminal Code Annotated 77-37-3), victims and witnesses of crime have rights.  Under those rights, victims have the right "to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and to be free from harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice process."
 
Victims have the right, upon request, to be informed of, be present at, and to be heard at important criminal justice hearings related to the victim, either in person or through a designated representative.
 
Victims have the right to a secure waiting area that does not require them to be in close proximity to defendants and offenders.
 
Victims have the right to have a sentencing judge, for the purpose of imposing an appropriate sentence, receive and consider reliable information concerning the background, character and conduct of those convicted.
 
Victims have the right to reparations and restitution when appropriate.
 
Victims have the right to a speedy trial and disposition of charges. 
  • The rights apply to "important criminal justice proceedings" which are defined as:  Preliminary hearings, arraignments, disposition of charges, conditions of release/bail hearings, trials, sentencing and parole hearings.
  • These provisions apply to all felonies in adult courts.  (In cases involving juvenile offenders, victims have the right to attend and speak at juvenile proceedings for offenses that are comparable to felonies in adult court).
 
Victims have the right to reasonable employer intercession services to minimize loss of pay and benefits.
 
Victims have the right to be informed of the level of protection available to protect them from intimidation and harm
 
 
Provo Police Department
48 South 300 West
PO Box 1849
Provo, UT  84603