“To strengthen the rights of crime victims, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section revises the Crime Victims' Rights Act (18 U.S.C. § 3771) to expand and strengthen victims' rights in federal and District of Columbia criminal proceedings, including upon suspected or alleged offenses, as follows: (1) In subsection (a), it expands the right to confer with the government (para. (5)) to include any agreement resolving the case or investigation, such as plea bargains, pretrial diversions, or voluntary dismissals; amends the right to timely information (para. (9)) to cover plea bargains, deferred prosecution agreements, pretrial diversions, or referrals to other law enforcement entities; and requires provision of a crime victims' rights card with contacts for the Office of the Crime Victims' Rights Ombudsman and sources of legal assistance, including pro bono services and the right to attorney advice (para. (10)). (2) In subsection (b)(1), it requires courts to confirm government compliance with victims' rights and issue orders to cure noncompliance. (3) In subsection (c)(1), it directs government officers to make best efforts to notify victims and accord rights, with court-approved delays (up to 90 days, extendable for good cause) if according rights would threaten safety, investigations, national security, or nonpublic information prior to public charges (supported by clear and convincing evidence, with records provided to victims post-delay); authorizes court remedies for noncompliance; and requires information on pro bono representation. It also amends subsection (c)(2) to require written notice to victims of their right to seek attorney advice. (4) In subsection (d)(1), it clarifies that victims, their representatives, or attorneys (but not the accused) may assert rights; and establishes procedures for victims' attorneys to enter appearances with party status, receive service of relevant pleadings and court orders/notices, and access case records.