Have you ever been a victim or a witness to a crime? If so, you may be entitled to certain rights under Louisiana's Crime Victim Bill of Rights. 

As a victim or designated family member of a victim, you may have the right of notification of certain proceedings in the criminal justice system that may affect you. For this registration you must file a Victim Notice and Registration Form with the arresting law enforcement agency, the clerk of court or the prosecuting agency that has jurisdiction over the case. By registering as a victim, you are also entitled to do a Victim Impact Statement. For you to have these Statutory Rights, the defendant must be charged with any homicide, felony crime of violence, vehicular negligent injuring, first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, sexual offense, or an attempt thereof. 

• The right to reasonable notice and to be present and heard during all critical stages of pre-conviction and post-conviction proceedings.
• The right to be informed upon the release from custody of the escape of the accused or the offender.
• The right to confer with the prosecution prior to 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.
• The right to seek restitution.
• The right to a reasonably prompt conclusion to the case.

As a witness you have many of the same rights given to the victim. For example, the witness has a right to advance notification concerning judicial proceedings and to be provided a secure waiting area during court proceedings, which does not require close proximity to defendants and their family or friends.

A crime victim witness coordinator assists those who have a case pending within the Attorney General's Criminal Division.  If you have been a victim or witness or a crime and need assistance contact the Louisiana Department of Justice Criminal Division.