Rights of Crime Victims

The victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery or a person who has suffered bodily injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another, the guardian of a victim, or the close relative of a deceased victim have the right to:

• receive protection from harm, and threats of harm, arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts;
• Having their safety considered by the magistrate when setting bail;
• receive information, on request, of relevant court proceedings and to be informed if those court proceedings have been canceled or rescheduled prior to the event;
• be informed, when requested, by a peace officer concerning the defendant's right to bail and the procedures in criminal investigations and by the district attorney's office concerning the general procedures in the criminal justice system, including general procedures in guilty plea negotiations;
• provide pertinent information concerning the impact of the crime to the probation department prior to any sentencing;
• information about the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund and payment for a medical examination for a victim of a sexual assault, and, on request, referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance;
• information, on request, about parole procedures, notification of parole proceedings and of the inmate's release, and the right to participate in the parole process by submitting written information to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for inclusion in the defendant's file information for considered by the board prior to parole;
• a separate or secure waiting area at all court proceedings;
• prompt return of any property that is no longer needed as evidence;
• have the prosecutor notify, upon request, an employer that the3 need for the victims testimony may involve victim's absence from;
• on request, the right to counseling and testing regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for victims of sexual assault;
• be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, subject to the approval of the judge in the case;
• complete a VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT and have it considered by the court prior to the imposition of a sentence and by the Board of Pardons and Paroles in the parole process.