Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido has unveiled an improved website aimed at assisting crime victims.
“We want to make it easy for crime victims to request their rights, and easier for victims to connect with our victim advocates,” said Lucido. “Our crime victim advocates are unsung heroes who do important work for our office.”
Crime victims have rights under Michigan law, Lucido said, and may request those rights via telephone, U.S. mail, email or via the prosecutor’s website.
Dozens of Macomb County crime victims have used the improved service to electronically request victim rights, he said.
Lucido said his office has authorized more than 4,700 victim cases this year. Victim advocates have been able to directly assist on over 2,100 of these cases.
A crime victim has the following rights, Lucido noted, but must request them:
• Receive notice of any scheduled court proceeding and any changes in that schedule.
• Confer with the prosecuting attorney prior to the selection of the jury and prior to the trial.
• Receive notice if the defendant escapes custody while awaiting trial.
• Receive written notice of the defendant’s conviction.
• Receive notice of the address and telephone number of the probation department that will be preparing the presentence investigation report.
• Make an oral or written impact statement to the presentence investigator.
• Make an oral or written impact statement at the time of sentencing in court.
• Be notified of the time and place of sentencing.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has victim advocates available to provide support and guidance throughout the criminal justice process.
Among other things, they provide advocacy to victims of crimes with special needs, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Lucido said these services include an explanation of the criminal justice system and various court proceedings, providing emotional support and crisis intervention, accompanying victims to court, providing case status information, consulting with assistant prosecuting attorneys and maintaining case files. The ways in which the prosecutor’s office can assist crime victims include:
• Providing information and help in filing for Michigan Crime Victims Compensation.
• Making referrals to other community agencies for additional assistance.
• Giving information on how the criminal justice system works, and case status.
• Attending court at the victim’s request.
• Providing assistance in completing the Victim Impact Statement for sentencing purposes.
• Assisting with the return of personal property.
• Providing information regarding restitution.
To obtain a form, crimevictims@macombgov.org.
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