Rights As Victims of Juvenile Crime

To have your interest considered when the court is deciding to grant a request for a delay (adjournment).

To ask for assistance with employer, if needed.

To be escorted to court by a service provider.

To request an order for a juvenile to submit to a test for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV test.   The right to request this is limited to offenses where the law allows.

To be provided a waiting area.

To have reasonable attempts made to notify you of upcoming court hearings, if you so request.

To speak with the Office of the District Attorney upon your request, about the possible outcome of the case, potential plea agreements and disposition options.

To a speedy disposition of the case.

To make or provide a victim impact statement.

To have the impact of the crime on you included in a juvenile court report and to have the preparer of the report attempt to contact you. 

To court ordered restitution.

To a civil judgment for unpaid restitution.

To compensation for expenses as allowed by law (please ask a specialist about Crime Victim Compensation)

To have assistance with property being returned when it is no longer needed as evidence.

To have a reasonable attempt made to be notified if the case is dismissed.

To be provided disposition (sentencing or supervision) information.

To contact the department of justice about any concerns you may have about your treatment as a crime victim.

As a victim of a juvenile crime, you will be dealing with both social services and the criminal justice system.  A referral is made to social services and some are forwarded to the district attorney for review.  After reviewing the facts, a delinquency petition may be filed.  A delinquency petition is a court document alleging that a juvenile, between the ages of 10-16, has violated the law which would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult. 

Disposition for a juvenile found to be delinquent may include the following:  consent decree (which allows for the holding open  of a case for up to a year with supervision), formal supervision with the Department of Human Services, out of home placement (foster home, group home, residential treatment facility or incarceration at a juvenile correctional institution), secure detention, restitution, a fine, counseling and performance of community service.  

Our juvenile system can move quickly once hearing dates are scheduled; therefore, it is important to respond quickly to any requests for information.  You have been provided with a notice of hearing request form.  You are not required to attend any court hearings unless you are subpoenaed.  If you request notice, you will be informed of the date/time and place of hearings.  It is important to keep us informed of any change in your address or phone number.  Please call Victim/Witness Assistance at (608) 742-9834 or (608) 742-9836 with any changes.  We cannot be responsible for lack of service if we don’t know how  to reach you.   

You have been provided the name of the juvenile who committed the offense against you and you are allowed to attend the court hearings.  Wisconsin law prohibits you from disclosing the identification or information about the juvenile.  You could face being charged with contempt or fined and/or jailed if you release information about the juvenile.  

You should contact the Victim/Witness Office and request information about the time and place of upcoming hearings.  Victims have a right to appear at any hearing; however, during discussions of sensitive personal matters involving a juvenile, you may be asked to leave.   You have a right to make a statement to the court (Victim Impact Statement).   You also have the right to obtain information about the outcome of the case.  If you want further information about the case, you need to keep in contact. 

A Victim Impact Statement is your way to let the court know how the crime affected you and your family (emotionally, physically and financially).   You can do this in person, in writing, or both.   With this brochure, you should receive a victim impact form.   You can go to court at the disposition (sentencing) and tell the court how the crime impacted your life and/or you can return the Victim Impact Statement to the Victim/Witness Office.   The victim impact statement will be shared with the judge, the juvenile, the juvenile’s attorney, the juvenile’s intake worker and the district attorney’s office. You should only discuss the effect that the criminal activity had on you.  Do not discuss the facts of the incident.   To ensure that the victim impact statement is given to the court prior to sentencing, please return the information mailed to you immediately.  

The only time you have to go to court is when you receive a subpoena; however, you are welcome to appear at any court date.   If you wish to attend a juvenile court hearing, please call Victim/Witness Assistance at (608) 742-9834 or (608) 742-9836 so arrangements can be made for your attendance.  As juvenile hearings are otherwise closed and confidential hearings, the Court must be made aware of your presence.