Forms & Victims’ Rights

Victims of crime in Pennsylvania have rights throughout the various stages of the criminal justice process.

You have the right to be told about:

  • Basic services available in your county
  • Court events, including information on bail, the escape/release of the offender, preliminary hearings, trials, guilty pleas, sentencing, and final disposition of the case

You have the right to receive:

  • Notice of the arrest of the offender
  • Information about restitution and assistance with compensation
  • Accompaniment to all criminal proceedings by a family member, a victim advocate, or a support person
  • To receive help in preparing a verbal and/or written victim impact statement

You have the right to provide a comment concerning:

  • Sentencing decisions
  • Post-sentencing decisions, including parole consideration, pardons, clemency, medical or compassionate release

Some crime victims’ rights violations can be addressed in court by filing a motion. A crime survivor can file the motion on their own, or the Prosecutor could file a motion on behalf of the victim.

Refer to the Victim Bill of Rights (PDF) for a more detailed list of rights for victims.

If you are the victim of a crime, you can fill out the Northampton County Crime Victim Right of Access Form (PDF) to request information. See the first page of the form to determine your eligibility.