Knowing Your Rights

In California a CRIME VICTIM is defined as a person who suffers direct or is threatened physically, psychologically, or suffers financial harm as a result of the commission of or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term victim also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, or a minor who is physically or physiologically incapacitated.

With the 2008 passage of the California Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights Act (known as Marsy’s Law) California victims of crime have 17 constitutional rights. Many of these rights must be requested.  A list of these rights is available here. One goal of Justice for Homicide Victims is to ensure that every crime victim knows and understands these rights that are available to them.

We periodically sponsor Crime Victim Clinics throughout the County of Los Angeles. These Clinics help explain Victim Rights and what to expect throughout the legal process.  Law enforcement, District Attorney staff, victim advocates and other professional staff participate and assist victims of crime to understand their rights.

If you are interested in having us sponsor a Crime Victims’ Clinic in your area contact JHVinfo@gmail.com. 

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services
P.O. Box 942883
Sacramento, CA  94183
1-877-258-OVSS or check their website here 

    1. Inmate Locator
      A free online search makes it easy for you to locate which prison an inmate is being held at. More information on California inmate location, parole hearings and travel reimbursement as well as the various forms needed is available at www.cdcr.ca.gov.
    1. Parole Hearing travel reimbursement
      In California up to $200 is available for victims, next of kin and support persons attending a parole hearing.  Go to the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation website and fill out the travel voucher information for reimbursement.  The funds are reimbursable after you submit the voucher and receipts for gas and lodging.
  1. Restitution
    All persons who suffer losses as a result of criminal activity shall have the right to seek and secure restitution. Restitution forms are to be completed at the time of sentencing.