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Senate Protects Crime Victims' Rights

(Juneau) -Victims of crime will have a new ally in our courts thanks to a bill unanimously passed by the Alaska Senate today creating an Office of Victims' Rights and a Victims' Advocate.

On November 8, 1994, almost 90 percent of the voters approved an amendment to Alaska's Constitution that would provide certain rights to victims of crime. However, there was no specific mechanism to ensure that victims were aware of these rights and that these rights were enforced.

Senate Bill 105, sponsored by Sen. Rick Halford (R-Chugiak) would create the Office of Victims' Rights to provide experienced professionals to act on behalf of crime victims in Alaska's legal system.

"In the aftermath of a violent crime, it is difficult for a victim to cope with everyday happenings, much less wade through our judicial system, full of technicalities and legal jargon," said Halford. "Under our current system, a person may feel victimized twice-first, by the criminal and then by the system."

The Office of Victims' Rights, under the direction of the Victims' Advocate, would keep victims informed of their rights, help guide them through the legal process, and could testify on their behalf in the court. If a victim feels they have been denied their rights, the Victims' Advocate would investigate their complaints, and publish a report and recommendations to aid in making the system more accountable to the victim.

"The state spends millions of dollars on attorneys for the prosecution and defense of criminals," said Halford. "It's time to give the victims the help they need to stand up for their constitutional rights."

Senate Bill 105 will also increase the amount of compensation available to victims of crime and provide a new mechanism to award grants to nonprofit victims advocacy groups. The Office of Victims' Rights and the Victims' Advocate will be completely funded by Permanent Fund dividends forfeited by repeat criminals.

SB 105 moves to the House for consideration.

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Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SB 105
  
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 94 K

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