Victim's Rights & Resources

In 2017, voters approved an amendment to the Ohio Constitution that guarantees certain rights to victims of criminal offenses and delinquent acts, known as “Marsy’s Law.” As a victim of crime, you have constitutionally protected rights. These rights are detailed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Crime Victim Services (link below) or by calling 800-582-2877. Some rights are automatic and other rights require your request. You can choose to exercise all, some, or none of your rights. The Pike County Juvenile Court has implemented the appropriate sections of the Revised Code that regulate the rights outlined in Marsy’s Law.

Please visit the following links for more information and forms:

Information on Marsy's Law and Crime Victim Rights	Visit Site
Ohio Victims' Rights Request Form	Download

Victim Rights

To secure for victims justice and due process throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems, a victim shall have the following rights, which shall be protected in a manner no less vigorous than the rights afforded to the accused:

1. to be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's safety, dignity and privacy;
2. upon request, to reasonable and timely notice of all public proceedings involving the criminal offense or delinquent act against the victim, and to be present at all such proceedings;
3. to be heard in any public proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, or parole, or in any public proceeding in which a right of the victim is implicated;
4. to reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused;
5. upon request, to reasonable notice of any release or escape of the accused;
6. except as authorized by section 10 of Article I of this constitution, to refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request made by the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused;
7. to full and timely restitution from the person who committed the criminal offense or delinquent act against the victim;
8. to proceedings free from unreasonable delay and a prompt conclusion of the case;
9. upon request, to confer with the attorney for the government; and
10. to be informed, in writing, of all rights enumerated in this section.