What are the rights of victims of juveniles who commit crimes?
Victims of juvenile crimes in California have rights that are intended to help them feel safe and to hold the juvenile offender accountable. These rights are outlined in the California Welfare and Institutions Code and in the California Constitution. The most important right of a victim of juvenile crime is the right to be heard. This includes the right to be present for court proceedings and the ability to provide victim impact statements. These statements are used to help the court better understand the impact of the crime on the victim. Victims also have the right to receive certain notifications including when the offender is released from juvenile detention or when consideration is being given for parole or probation. In addition, victims have the right to be protected from further harm. This means that victims have the right to ask that their address, phone number, school name, and other identifying information not be disclosed by the court or to the offender. Furthermore, victims can ask that the offender be ordered to stay away from them and not make contact in any way. Finally, victims have the right to receive assistance from the court. This includes the right to receive compensation to cover costs such as medical bills and counseling, as well as the right to be informed of available victim assistance programs. These rights are in place to help victims of juvenile crimes feel safer and to help ensure that the juvenile offender is held accountable for their actions.
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