Victim's Rights

For many people, being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal and juvenile justice systems. As a victim or witness, you have certain rights within the system. The following information can assist with questions regarding those rights:

A "victim" is a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act or against whom the crime or delinquent act is committed. The term "victim" includes the victim’s lawful representative, parent or guardian of a minor or homicide victim's next of kin except upon a showing the interest of such individual would be in actual or potential conflict with the interests of the victim.

A “witness” is a person who, as determined by law enforcement, has information or evidence relevant to a specific crime. A witness can testify under oath in a trial.

Florida Constitution ARTICLE I, SECTION 16 - Rights of Accused and of Victims

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