Your Rights as a Victim

Victims of violent felony crimes, under Louisiana Constitution Article 1 Section 25 and Revised Statutes 46:1841, have the following rights:

1. The right to reasonable notice and to be present and heard during all critical stages of pre- and post-conviction proceedings;
2. The right to confer with the prosecution prior to final disposition of the case;
3. The right to refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused;
4. The right to review and comment on any presentence report;
5. The right to a reasonably prompt conclusion of the case;
6. The right to seek restitution;
7. The right to be informed upon the release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender.

Filing with the Clerk of Court to Ensure Your Rights

To ensure they receive notices from the court, victims of violent felony crimes may obtain a "victim notice form" from the law enforcement officer investigating their case. The officer will forward the completed form along with the case reports to the District Attorney's office. We will then forward the form to the Clerk of Court when we formally file charges against the defendant.

The Clerk of Court Criminal Records Department is located on the basement (B-1) floor of the Governmental building at:

Clerk of Court Criminal Records Department
19th Judicial District Courthouse
300 North Boulevard, Suite 2501 (on the second floor)
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Tel. (225) 389-3964

While the above rights are specifically enumerated for victims of violent felony crimes, the Office of the District Attorney will attempt to offer similar accommodations to all victims, when requested to do so by the victim.

Important Victim Contacts:

Office of the District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinators
Tel. (225) 389-8888

Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations
Tel. (225) 925-4437 Toll Free (888) 684-2846
Website: http://www.lcle.state.la.us/programs/cvr.asp

Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System
Toll Free (866) 528-6748
Website: https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/initMap.do

Department of Corrections Crime Victims Services Bureau
P.O. Box 94304, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9304
Tel. (225) 342-6223 Toll free (888) 342-6110
Website: http://www.corrections.state.la.us/view.php?cat=15&id=31