Juneau -- Victims of crime will have a new ally in our courts thanks to Senate Bill 4, the Crime Victims' Rights and Advocacy Act of 2000, which passed both the Senate and the House by unanimous votes. SB 4, sponsored by Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak), establishes 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. A recent study by the National Center for Victims of Crime clearly shows that passing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing victims' rights is not enough, more needs to be done. The Office of Victims' Rights will provide experienced professionals to act on behalf of crime victims in our 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."

With 13 Senate cosponsors, SB 4 is widely supported by members of the Legislature as well as victims, their families and Victims for Justice, a victims' rights group in Anchorage.

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."

The Office of Victims' Rights and the Victims' Advocate will be completely funded by Permanent Fund dividends forfeited by repeat criminals.

SB 4 will now go to the Governor for his consideration.

Sponsor Statement for SB 4