Lawmakers Push For Restoration Of Victims' Rights In Florida

Advocates for crime victims in Florida say they deserve the same sort of protection that criminals enjoy. 

Retired Federal Judge Paul Cassell says Florida used to be a national leader on victim rights... but that was a few decades ago.

Thirty-four other states say the provide equal rights for crime victims. To a certain degree, they all provide victims notices of and, in some states, the ability to participate in proceedings and decisions regarding their attacker.

Cassell is part of a group that wants to add victims' rights amendment to the Florida constitution, including: 

  • Notification of public proceedings involving defendant’s criminal conduct
  • Conference with state attorney on any plea agreement
  • Ability to provide information regarding impact of crime
  • Access to any pre-sentence report and other relevant records
  • Notification of conviction, sentence, and place of incarceration
  • Notification of all post-conviction processes and procedures

A state commission votes next month on whether to put that proposition on the ballot next November. Amendments need 60 percent of the vote for approval.


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