When You Are The Victim
Va. Code 19.2-11.01 — crime victim and witness rights, and the form that lists them
What the chapter is for. Its purpose is that the full impact of crime is brought to the courts' attention; that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, with their privacy protected as far as the law permits; and that they are informed of their rights and have the opportunity to be heard at all critical stages of the criminal justice process, to the extent permissible under law.
The form. As soon as practicable after identifying a victim, the investigating law enforcement agency provides a standardized form listing the specific rights afforded to crime victims, with a telephone number for further help, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Commonwealth's attorney's office and the investigating agency.
- Information on the protection that may be available, and help obtaining it.
- A separate waiting area during court proceedings, where available, away from the defendant and the defendant's family.
- Information on financial assistance and social services, including a possible claim to the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund.
- Help getting property held as evidence returned promptly.
- Advice that restitution is available for damages or loss from the offense, and help seeking it.
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 Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Va. Code 19.2-11.01 — Crime victim and witness rights
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.