News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Senate Approves Mechanism to Help Victims of Crime

Creates Office of Victim's Rights

For Immediate Release: May 1, 1998 Contact: Senator Rick Halford at (907) 465-4958.

Juneau – Victims of crime will have a new ally in our courts due to Senate Bill 219, the Crime Victim's Rights and Advocacy Act of 1998, which passed the Senate today on a vote of 19 to 1. SB 219, sponsored by Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak), establishes an Office of Victim's Rights and a Victims' Advocate, which will provide experienced professionals to act on behalf of victims in our legal system.

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

On November 8, 1994, almost 90% of the voters approved an amendment to Alaska's Constitution that would provide specific 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.

"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 ensure that victims were aware 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.

Senate Bill 219 is co-sponsored by Senators Lyda Green, Dave Donley, Robin Taylor and Loren Leman, and is supported by Victims for Justice.

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