If you are a victim of a criminal act, you have rights and are entitled to protection from the youth offender and may receive compensation for injury and property damage. These rights include:

• Addresses and telephone numbers are protected - youth cannot have access to that information
• Are not to be excluded from the courtroom during trial, which applies to members of a murder victim's family as well
• Have a right to express your views concerning the crime, the effect on you, and your feelings about what the sentence ought to be

The board of parole and post-prison supervision must attempt to notify the district attorney and you if you have previously requested notification, in writing, of parole hearings and release dates of incarcerated offenders. The people of Oregon spoke out about victims' rights during the November 1999 elections. As a result, the State Constitution was amended to include victims' rights during a criminal procedure. These include:

• To be informed and present at any proceedings regarding the youth
• Receive information about youth's prior history, and informed of youth's release date prior to release
• Get a copy of a transcript of any open court proceedings
• Have the district attorney consult you about plea negotiations in violent felony cases
• Be informed of these rights as soon as possible
• Amends the constitution to guarantee the victim the right to be reasonably protected from the youth

Victims' Rights Guides: English & Spanish