Crime Victim's Rights in Arizona
- Keifer Griffin
- May 1
- 2 min read
In Arizona, crime victims are afforded a comprehensive set of rights designed to ensure they are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity throughout the criminal justice process. These rights are enshrined in the Arizona Constitution and further detailed in state statutes, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting victims at every stage of the legal proceedings.
The Arizona Victims’ Bill of Rights
Established through Proposition 104 in 1990, the Arizona Victims’ Bill of Rights amended the state constitution to recognize and protect the rights of crime victims. This landmark amendment ensures that victims have a participatory role in the criminal justice system and extends specific protections during their involvement in legal processes.
Key rights under this bill include:
Fair Treatment: Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the criminal justice process.
Notification: Upon request, victims must be informed when the accused or convicted person is released from custody or has escaped.
Participation in Proceedings: Victims have the right to be present at all criminal proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present and to be heard at any proceeding involving a post-arrest release decision, a negotiated plea, and sentencing.
Consultation with Prosecution: Victims can confer with the prosecution after criminal charges are filed, before trial, or before the case is decided, and be informed of the case’s disposition.
Privacy and Protection: Victims have the right to refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request by the defendant or the defendant’s attorney.
Restitution: Victims are entitled to receive prompt restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused their loss or injury.
These rights are codified in Article 2, Section 2.1 of the Arizona Constitution and further detailed in the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 13, Chapter 40.
Implementation and Support
To ensure these rights are upheld, Arizona law mandates that various individuals and agencies involved in the criminal justice process—such as law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, and corrections staff—actively support victims’ rights by sharing information and performing specific duties.
Additionally, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office oversees the Victims’ Rights Program, which assists and monitors state and local entities required to implement and comply with Arizona’s victims’ rights laws.
Accessing Victim Services
Victims seeking assistance can access various services provided by state and local agencies. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission administers programs like the Crime Victim Compensation and Crime Victim Assistance, offering financial support and direct services to crime victims.
For more detailed information on victims’ rights and available resources, individuals can refer to the Arizona Attorney General’s Victim Services website or consult the Arizona Crime Victims’ Rights Laws handbook.
Sources:
Arizona Constitution, Article II, Section 2.1 – Victims’ Bill of Rights
Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 13, Chapter 40 – Victims’ Rights
Arizona Attorney General’s Office – Victims’ Rights Program
https://www.azag.gov/criminal/victim-services/victims-rights-program
Arizona Attorney General’s Office – Victims’ Rights Laws Handbook (2022)
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission – Victim Services Overview
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission – Crime Victim Compensation Program
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission – Crime Victim Assistance Program
List of Arizona Ballot Propositions (1990) – Proposition 104
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Arizona_ballot_propositions
