Maryland State Victims’ Rights

Under the Maryland Constitution and under State laws and guidelines, a victim of crime must be treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity during all phases of the criminal justice process.

• A victim may have the right to be notified of all hearings related to their case.
• A victim may have the right to be present at the trial.
• A victim is not required to speak to the defense attorneys or their investigators prior to the hearings.
• A victim or the victim’s representative may have the right to address the court to describe the impact of the crime.
• A victim has the right to request restitution.
• A victim may have the right to be notified of any further hearings related to the defendant’s sentence or release by the Division of Correction, Patuxent Institution, or the Parole Commission.

Crime Victim Compensation

You have the right to crime victim compensation.  Call the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at 1-888-679-9347 to receive an application.