When You Are The Victim
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 595.209 — rights automatic for the most serious crimes, and on written request for all others
Automatic, or on request. The rights are afforded automatically to victims of dangerous felonies, first degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, any offense under chapter 566, attempts at any of them, and domestic assault. For all other crimes, and for witnesses, they are afforded on written request.
- To be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has the right to be present, even if the victim is or may be called to testify.
- To be told in a timely manner of the filing of charges, preliminary hearing dates, trial dates, continuances and the final disposition, with final disposition information provided within five days.
- To confer with and be informed by the prosecutor about bail hearings, guilty pleas, sentencing and probation revocation hearings, and to be heard at them unless the court finds the interests of justice require otherwise.
- To be told of the case's status, of victim compensation and crisis services, and of any release of the defendant on bond or otherwise.
- To be told within twenty-four hours of any escape by the defendant from a detention or correctional facility.
Several of these rights apply only on request, or only to the offenses the section names. How they apply in a particular case is a question for a licensed Missouri attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 595.209 — Rights of victims and witnesses; written notification
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Missouri attorney.