Know Your Rights

If someone you know is harming you or making you uncomfortable, you may be entitled to certain rights. To take advantage of these legal rights, please familiarize yourself will the Tennessee Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights.

According to the TN Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, crime victims have:

• The RIGHT to confer with the prosecutor about their case.
• The RIGHT to be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
• The RIGHT to be at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
• The RIGHT to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.
• The RIGHT to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer, or escape of the accused or convicted person.
• The RIGHT to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.
• The RIGHT to restitution from the offender.
• The RIGHT to know about each of these rights established for victims.

 

If you think that you are in an abusive relationship, look at our safety planning page for ways to increase your safety and our How We Help Page for support.