Rights and Options for Victims

What are my rights as a victim of a crime

As a crime victim, you are entitled to specific rights. You have the right to:

Be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect and be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the criminal justice process
Be notified of and present at court proceedings in your case
Consult with the Prosecution about the disposition of the case
Be heard at the defendant’s sentencing, modification of sentence, acceptance of a plea, bond reduction or modification, or parole hearing
Have the court determine restitution
Upon written request, be informed of the status of the case post-sentencing
Information about what steps can be taken in case there is any intimidation or harassment
Apply for victim compensation in cases involving violent crime. Call the Victim Compensation Admin at the Division of Criminal Justice: 303-239-4493 or 888-282-1080.
Information about and referrals to services and assistance
Be informed about the legal remedies available to you

This is a partial list of Victims’ Rights in the State of Colorado. For a complete list, contact your local law enforcement agency or District Attorney’s Office.

What Crimes are covered by Colorado Victim Rights

If you are a victim of any of the following crimes, the Colorado Constitution and CRS Title 24 Article 4.1 Part III guarantees your rights. If the victim is deceased or incapacitated, these rights are guaranteed to the victim’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, significant other, or other lawful representative.

Murder
Manslaughter
Criminally negligent homicide
Vehicular homicide
All assaults including vehicular assault
All sexual assaults
Menacing
Kidnapping
Robbery
Incest
Child abuse
Sexual Exploitation of children
Crimes against at risk adults
All crimes involving domestic violence
Stalking
Bias motivated incidents
Careless driving that results in a death
Failure to stop at the scene of an accident that has resulted in a death
Retaliation of a victim/witness
Intimidation of a victim/witness
Tampering with a victim/witness
Indecent exposure
Violation of a Protection order against a person charged with sexual assault

What can I expect?

The initial shock following a crime, sudden death, or other trauma is a harsh and painful reality for everyone involved. However, everyone reacts differently when faced with crisis. Some common reactions may include:

After some time has passed, it is possible to experience a full life after a crime or tragedy. As most people work through their feelings about the event, they begin to accept that they did the best they could in the situation and have renewed energy to focus on their lives again.

What can family and friends do?

Remember that your loved one has just experienced a stressful event, regardless of how they may be acting now. Listen carefully to them. Allow them to share what they are feeling. Do what you can to help them feel safe. Avoid statements that may make the victim feel they were to blame for the crime. Instead, reassure them that it was not their fault. Allow them to take control back over their own lives and be there to support them.

People who care about the victims can often fell stress too. Do not be afraid to seek help for your own needs.

Can I be compensated for my crime.

Victims of certain crimes and the victims’ immediate family members may be eligible for financial assistance from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund. Victims may receive help with many of their losses directly related to the crime, such as medical and mental health bills, funeral costs, lost wages, and replacement of doors, locks or windows damaged during the commission of a crime. There are eligibility requirements for victims to apply for monies from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and funds are not necessarily awarded to every victim who applies. For more information, contact your local District Attorney’s Office:

Weld County District Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Assistance Program

(970)-356-4010 Ext. 4946

How can I get a copy of my police report

Anyone can request copies of reports at the UNC Police Department during normal business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday). There is a Search and Retrieval Fee of $2.50 as well as a $0.25 per page Copy Fee. These fees are waived if the victim is picking up a copy of their own report. The UNC Police Department is in Gray Hall on central campus of UNC.

Where else can I receive assistance

The following services are available for crime victims in Weld County. You may access any or all the options below.

Law Enforcement:

UNC Police 970-351-2245
Greeley Police 970-350-9600
Evans Police 970-339-2441
Weld County Sheriff 970-356-4015
Jail Extension (4665)

Community Resources:

North Colorado Medical Center 970-810-4121
UC Health Greeley 970-652-2000
North Range Behavior Health 970-347-2120
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center 970-472-4204
A Woman’s Place 970-356-4226
Weld County Social Services 970-352-1551
District Attorney’s Office 970-356-4010

University Resources:

Student Health Center 970-351-2412

The following Resources are funded by UNC’s Student Fee program; therefore, they are available for any UNC student to use at no additional charge:

Assault Survivors Advocacy Program (ASAP) 970-351-1490
UNC Counseling Center 970-351-2496
Student Legal Services 970-351-2001
Prevention Education & Advocacy 970-351-1136

Additional support services are available through the District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Assistance Program. They can be reached during normal business hours at 970-356-4010 Ext 4746. Their services include assistance in completing forms to apply for restitution or victim compensation funds, updates on the case status, contact for input before critical stages of the criminal justice process, and support before and throughout the trial.

Rights and Options for Victims

Rights and Assistance for Colorado Crime Victims