Crime Victim Rights

What are the rights of a victim of crime?

• The right to information about all events related to the case.
• The right to have a prosecutor and/or victim advocate present when a victim is interviewed.
• The right to know the offender's location at all times from arrest until his or her release from supervision.
• The right to protection from intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
• The right to attend court proceedings unless the court determines that the victim's absence is necessary to a fair trial.
• The right to one free copy of public documents in their case. Court documents are available from the clerk of the court in the county in which the case was prosecuted.
• Victims and immediate family members of sex crimes have the right to request that the sentencing judge, parole board or probation officer order the offender to have no contact with them.

Where can I find laws about crime victim rights?

Statutes pertaining to victims are included in Title 46, Chapter 24 of the Montana Codes Annotated (MCA). Read the laws on the treatment of victims and witness.

Where can I find more information?

The Montana Department of Corrections has information on victim safety, notificiation, felony sentencing, restitution, Parole Board, Crime Victims Compesation, and much more. Visit the Montana Department of Corrections.

How do I get more help?

MT Victim Legal Assistanct Network (MT VLAN)  is a statewide civil legal assistance network that provides services to crime victims around the state of Montana.

Apply Online

You can apply online with Montana Legal Services Association at www.mtlsa.org. After you submit an online application, an MLSA staff member will contact you to schedule an appointment to complete your application.

Apply By Phone

You can also call the MLSA HelpLine at (800) 666-6899 to talk with an MLSA staff member. The HelpLine hours are limited.

If you do qualify for MT VLAN’s help:

• We may schedule you an appointment to speak with an MLSA Advocate.
• We may give you written information about your legal rights.
• We may ask you to send us more information about your case.  
• We may refer you to a volunteer attorney or a self-help law clinic.
• Everything you tell MLSA is kept private and confidential.