CRIME VICTIM ADVOCACY CENTER of ST. LOUIS
Victim Rights
What are Crime Victims' Rights in Missouri?

In 1992, Missouri voters overwhelmingly supported (84% of those casting
votes) to amend the Constitution of the State of Missouri to guarantee rights
for Victims of Crime.  These rights are found in Article 1, Section 32 of the
Missouri State Constitution, which guarantees that as a crime victim you
have the right to:
98% of crime victims report that they do not know they have rights.
                                               Knowledge is power.

  1. Information about the crime and the availability of state crime victim compensation, financial assistance and
    emergency crisis intervention services;
  2. Information about the criminal justice system;
  3. Be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such right, including juvenile
    proceedings where the offense would have been a felony if committed by an adult;
  4. Be informed of and heard at bail hearings, guilty pleas, sentencings, probation and parole hearings;
  5. Be informed of charges filed, preliminary hearing dates, trial dates, continuances and case dispositions;
  6. A speedy disposition and appellate review of case;
  7. Request restitution;
  8. Reasonable protection from defendant or persons acting on behalf of the defendant;
  9. Information about the release, escape, recapture or death of the accused while in confinement;
  10. Be provided with a secure waiting area for court proceedings.

The rights of victims of crime are further established and defined in the Revised Statutes of Missouri, Section
595.209.

Who is Eligible for These Rights?

All victims of crime in the State of Missouri are guaranteed these rights.  The State Statute reads:

"The following rights shall automatically be afforded to victims of dangerous felonies, as defined in section
556.061, RSMo, victims of murder in the first degree, as defined in section 565.020, RSMo, victims of voluntary
manslaughter, as defined in section 565.023, RSMo, and victims of an attempt to commit one of the crimes, as
defined in section 564.100, RSMo..."
This statute goes on to state:  "...and upon written request, the following rights shall be afforded to victims of all
other crimes and
witnesses of crime."


CVAC can provide you with more information regarding your rights and how to see that those rights are granted to
you in the unfortunate event you or a family member are a victim of crime.  If you need further assistance, call us at
314-OK-BE-MAD or email admin@supportvictims.org.

Victims are
supported
by federal  
rights...
Click here for more
information.




If you think civil litigation
may be appropriate in
your situation, please
contact us or call
the National Crime
Victim Bar Association
at (800) FYI-CALL.