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

Area Services

ASPD Crime Prevention
Community Oriented Policing Services
(407) 571-8463
State Attorney’s Office Victim Services(407) 665-6112, www.SA18.org
Injunction for Protection Outreach Program(407) 665-6226
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-500-1119
Safe House of Seminole County
24-Hour Hotline
(407) 330-3933
www.SafeHouseofSeminole.org
Seminole Behavioral Health Care(407) 321-4357
The Florida Abuse Hotline
(Elderly & Children)
1-800-962-2873
Kids House of Seminole
Child Advocacy Center
(407) 324-3036, www.KidsHouse.org
United Way Crisis & Elder ServicesDial 211
John E. Polk Seminole County Jail
Inmate Admissions & Release Information
(407) 665-3137
Rape Crisis 24-Hour Response Hotline(407) 321-7273
Sexual Assault Victims Services(407) 665-6113
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Program(407) 665-6546
Department of CorrectionsFelony Probation (407) 262-7400
Misdemeanor Probation (407) 665-4602
Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE)1-877-846-3435
Attorney General’s Office Crime Victims Compensation Trust Fund1-800-226-6667
TDD Users-Florida Relay Services1-800-955-8771, www.MyFloridaLegal.com