Victims' Rights

Victims' Rights Act

In 1988 the Florida Legislature enacted the Victims' Rights Act. This act enables victims of crime to call upon the legal system for services and support during what can be a difficult period.

Florida Statutes

As a victim or survivor of crime, you have specific rights as outlined in Section 960.001 of the Florida Statutes.

According to the Florida Statutes you have the right to:

• Be informed, present, and heard, when relevant, at all crucial stages of a criminal proceeding.
• Be told how to participate in a proceeding in the case of incarcerated victims.
• Be informed of and submit written statements at all crucial stages of criminal and parole proceedings.
• Seek financial compensation through Victim Compensation.
• Crisis intervention support, and social services assistance within the community.
• Be protected from intimidation.
• Submit a victim impact statement to the court, oral, or written.
• Seek restitution from the offender for financial losses / expenses.
• The return of your property unless a compelling reason exists to retain it.
• If you are a surviving family member of a victim whose death occurred as a result of a crime, you have all these same rights.

Disclaimer

Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact the Town of Highland Beach by phone or in writing.