Your rights as a victim of a Violent Crime under the Illinois Bill of Rights for Victims and Witnesses include the following:

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect for my dignity and privacy and to be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse throughout the criminal justice process.

• The right to notice and to a hearing before a court ruling on a request for access to any of my records, information, or communications which are privileged or confidential by law.

• The right to timely notification of all court proceedings.

• The right to communicate with the prosecution

• The right to be heard at any post-arraignment court proceeding in which one of my rights is at issue and any court proceeding involving a post-arraignment release decision, plea, or sentencing.

• The right to be notified of the conviction, the sentence, the imprisonment, and the release of the accused.

• The right to timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.

• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.

• The right to have my safety and my family’s safety considered in denying or fixing the amount of bail, determining whether to release the defendant, and setting conditions of release after arrest and conviction.

• The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless I will testify and the court determines that my testimony would be materially affected if I hear other testimony at the trial.

• The right to have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate and other support person of my choice.

• The right to restitution.

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Responsibilities of Victims according to the new law are:

1. To report violent crimes immediately.

2. To cooperate with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation, prosecution, and trial.

3. To testify at the trial.

4. To notify law enforcement authorities of any change of address.