Do I have rights as a crime victim?
You might not realize it, but as a victim of crime you have a number of rights within the criminal justice system.
Below are some of your rights as a crime victim in the New York state criminal justice system.
You can find more information in the New York State Office of Victims Services Victim Rights Guide and brochure.
You have the right to ask for crime victim compensation
There are also other ways you may be paid back for your losses:
- You can file a civil lawsuit against your offender.
- If the crime happened while you were working, you may be able to get workers’ compensation benefits.
- If the crime is related to a vehicle, you may be able to get benefits under a car insurance policy.
- You may be able to get benefits from other sources such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, veteran’s benefits, or social security benefits.
You have the right to be notified of criminal proceedings
This means, you have the right to know when the offender:
- is arrested
- first appears before a judge
- enters a guilty plea
- goes to trial
- is sentenced, and how long they are sentenced to prison
You have rights during the criminal court case
Some of these rights include:
The right in certain felony offenses (serious criminal cases where the offender can be imprisoned for more than 1 year) to talk with the District Attorney about possible outcomes of the case. The right to ask help from law enforcement and the District Attorney to let your employers know that you need to take time off from work to help with the criminal case.
You have the right to be protected from threats, physical injury, or other kinds of intimidation
You may have the right to a Criminal Order of Protection.
You have the right to submit a “victim impact statement” in certain criminal cases
The victim impact statement is your chance to say what happened to you, how the crime affected your life and the lives of people you love.
You have the right to be notified if the person who committed the crime is released or escapes from custody
New York State Victim Information and Notification Everyday, VINE, can provide crime victims with information by phone, email, or TTY, about the status of the criminal offender. You can also be notified by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
You have the right in criminal cases to request restitution
(See Restitution tab in this section for more information)
Victims of crime in New York State also have these rights
- You have the right to get a free copy of the police report of the crime.
- You have the right to have your belongings returned quickly.
- You have the right to ask that your stolen or destroyed driver’s license, permit, registration or license plate be replaced for free.
- You have the right not to lose your job if you have to meet with prosecutors or appear in criminal court.
- If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or a child victim of crime you have additional rights.
If you are a crime victim in the federal criminal justice system, you also have rights under United States law.
Updated 2.24.26