Your Statutory Rights as a Victim

The list below provides an overview of victim and witness rights in Wisconsin.  You can read the full text of the law detailing these rights in Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes (PDF).

 

  • To be treated with fairness, dignity and respect for your privacy.
  • To not have personal identifiers including email disclosed or used for a purpose unrelated to the official duties of an agency, employee or official.
  • To be informed of your rights and how to exercise those rights.
  • To information regarding the offender's release from custody.
  • To be notified of a decision not to prosecute if an arrest has been made.
  • To speak with (confer) the prosecutor representative upon your request, about the possible outcome of the case, potential plea agreements and sentencing options.
  • To attend court proceedings in the case.
  • To be notified of the time, date and place of upcoming court proceedings, if you so request.
  • To be provided with a waiting area separate from defense witnesses.
  • To a speedy disposition of the criminal case.
  • To have your interest considered when the court is deciding to grant a request for a delay (continuance).
  • To be notified if charges are dismissed.
  • To be accompanied to court by a service representative. This right is limited to specific types of crimes.
  • To ask for assistance with your employer if necessary, resulting from court appearances.
  • To request an order for, and to be given the results of, testing the offender for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. This right is limited to specific types of crimes.
  • To provide a written or oral victim impact statement concerning the economic, physical and psychological effect of the crime upon you to be considered by the court at sentencing.
  • To have the impact of the crime on you included in a presentence investigation.
  • To be provided sentencing or dispositional information upon request.
  • To restitution as allowed by law.
  • To a civil judgment for unpaid restitution.
  • To compensation for certain expenses as allowed by law.
  • To have your property expeditiously returned when it is no longer needed as evidence.
  • To be notified of the offender's eligibility for parole and to have input into the parole making decision.
  • To be notified by the Department of Corrections of specific types of releases, escapes or confinements as provided by law.
  • To be notified of a pardon application to the governor and to make a written statement regarding the pardon application
  • To contact the Department of Justice about any concerns you may have about your victim rights.