The following rights are supported by the New Jersey State Constitutional amendment that guarantees certain basic rights for crime victims. Crime victims are guaranteed the right:
- to be treated with dignity and compassion by the criminal justice system;
- to be informed about the criminal justice process;
- to be free from intimidation;
- to have inconveniences associated with participation in the criminal justice process minimized to the fullest extent possible;
- to make at least one telephone call from the police station provided the call is reasonable in both length and location called;
- to medical assistance if, in the judgment of the law enforcement agency, medical assistance appears necessary;
- to be notified if presence in court is not needed;
- to be informed about available remedies, financial assistance, and social services;
- to be compensated for their loss whenever possible;
- to be provided a secure, but not necessarily separate, waiting area during court proceedings;
- to be advised of case progress and final disposition;
- to the prompt return of property when no longer needed as evidence;
- to submit a written statement about the impact of the crime to a representative of the county prosecutor’s office which shall be considered prior to the prosecutor’s final decision concerning whether formal criminal charges will be filed;
- and to make, prior to sentencing, an in-person statement directly to the sentencing court concerning the impact of the crime.
