**Special Report on Victim Rights ** Protecting Victims' Rights During Temporary COVID-19 Justice Procedures 

CVRB Printable Brochure

CVRB e-Brochure

Contact: CVRB

Statutory Authority

The Crime Victims Rights Board (CVRB) is an independent quasi-judicial body that operates by authority of Wis. Stat. Chapter 950.09and Wisconsin Administrative Code CVRB 1 to: 

• Review complaints regarding possible violations of the rights of crime victims by  public officials, employees or agencies.

• Issue written probable cause determinations as to whether violations probably were or are being committed as alleged in complaints.

• After findings of probable cause, conduct  investigations and/or hold evidentiary hearings, as needed, to determine whether violations occurred.

• Issue written final decisions concerning reviewed cases. (Judicial review of a CVRB final decision is governed by Wis. Stats. ss. 227.52 to 227.59.) 

• Issue sanctions for violations of Wis. Stat. Chapters 950 and 938 and Article I, Section 9m of the Wisconsin Constitution.

• Issue reports and recommendations concerning the securing and provision of victims' rights and services.

Operations

The CVRB was created with a limited administrative attachment to the Department of Justice, meaning DOJ provides operational support but the actions of the Board are not subject to the review or approval of the attorney general.  The following staff are assigned by DOJ to support CVRB operations as needed:

• Julie Braun, Operations Director:   Responsible for the executive management functions of the CVRB and ensuring that procedures protect the interests of all parties involved in a formal review.  The director is the CVRB's designee to conduct investigations pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code CVRB 1.03 and 1.06 and serves as the CVRB public information officer,  records official, and liaison to appointing authorities. 

• Amy Ulrich, CVRB Executive Assistant:  Provides confidential executive administrative assistance to the director.

• The DOJ Division of Legal Services (DLS) assigns attorneys to provide general legal advice and services to the CVRB as needed, including representation on CVRB cases and appeals. 

For more information about  CVRB operations:

• CVRB e-Brochure
• CVRB Printable Brochure
• CVRB Evidentiary Hearings:  FAQs
• WisconsinEye Program About the CVRB Process: Legally Speaking - Crime Victims' Rights Board
• Correspondence for the CVRB can be mailed to: 

CVRB Operations Director

Wisconsin Department of Justice

17 West Main Street

Madison, WI 53707 

Statutory Powers

_{Sanctions & Remedies}   

Based on its review of a complaint the CVRB may do any of the following:

• Issue private and public reprimands of public officials, employees or agencies that violate the rights of crime victims provided under Wis. Stat. Chapters 950 and 938 and Article I, Section 9m of the Wisconsin Constitution.

• Refer to the Judicial Commission a violation or alleged violation by a judge of the rights of crime victims provided under Wis. Stat. Chapters 950 and 938 and Article I, Section 9m of the Wisconsin Constitution.

• Seek equitable relief on behalf of a victim if such relief is necessary to protect the rights of the victim.  (The CVRB may not seek to appeal, reverse or modify a judgment of conviction or sentence in a criminal case.)

• Bring civil actions to assess a forfeiture under s. 950.11 for an intentional violation.  (Forfeiture monies are distributed to the state Common School Fund.)

_{Reports & Recommendations Concerning Rights & Services}

In addition to its authority to review complaints, the Board may issue reports and recommendations concerning the securing and provision of crime victim rights and services. 

• Read CVRB Reports & Recommendations 

Current Appointees

The Board consists of five members who are appointed to 4-year terms by multiple appointing authorities.  Current appointees are:

Links to Wisconsin Victims Rights Law

Administrative Rules: Crime Victims' Rights Board 

Child victims and witnesses; duty to expedite proceedings: 971.105

Consultation With and Notices to Victim: 971.095
Crime Victim Compensation : Wis. Stat. Chapter 949
Exclusion of Witnesses: 906.15
Inquiry Before a Plea 971.08(1)(d)
Inquiry upon dismissal 971.315
Pre-sentence investigation 972.15
Restitution 973.20

Statements before sentencing 972.14

Waiting area for victims and witnesses 967.10