Victims Rights

Rights Granted to Victims of a Crime in the State of Delaware

Victims Should be Notified About the Following:

• How criminal case go through the system. 
  
  
• After a defendant is released on bail including the amount of bail and any conditions. 
  
  
• Court events, possible plea agreements, outcome of the case, projected prison release dates and any sentence modification. 
  
  
• If the conviction is reversed on appeal. 
  
  
• Parole and pardon hearing dates, early release to community based on programs or if the offender escapes from a correctional facility. 
  
  
• Procedures to be followed if the offender threatens or intimidates you. 
  
  
• Services available for victims of crime.
  

Victim Service Organizations

Most crime victims suffer from distress and/or confusion after victimization and experience difficulty dealing with the criminal justice system. These programs provide a wide range of services to help you during this time.
To help crime victims, these programs usually provide victim advocacy, crisis intervention, information about the case, referrals to social/community resources, assistance in filing Violent Crimes Compensation Board forms, help with understanding the criminal justice system, and court accompaniment.

Victim Information

Delaware has a Victim's Bill of Rights which entitles you to be notified of and participate in all major phases of the criminal case process. You will be notified of the progress of the case in which you are the victim. This booklet will help you better understand what is happening in court by telling you the meaning of court terms you may not know. It also gives you other information you may find helpful. 

Delaware has established a Violent Crimes Compensation Board to assist innocent victims of violent crime who suffer personal injury (bodily harm or extreme mental suffering). The Board does not compensate victims for stolen or damaged property. You may be eligible for financial assistance. You must file within one (1) year of the crime to be considered for assistance. 

If you have had property stolen and the police recover it, the police will keep the property as evidence until after the trial.