In Oregon, victims of crime have certain rights guaranteed by law. These rights include the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity; the right to be informed about the criminal justice process; the right to be present at court proceedings; the right to be heard at sentencing hearings; and the right to restitution.

Victims of crime also have certain responsibilities, such as cooperating with law enforcement and prosecutors, keeping authorities updated on their contact information, and refraining from engaging in criminal activity themselves.

If you are a victim of a crime in Oregon, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities under the law. This can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your interests.

Protecting Your Rights

If you are a victim of a crime, you have the rights to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. You also have the right to be informed about the criminal justice process and to be present at court proceedings.

If you witness a crime, you may be required to testify in court. However, you have the right to have a support person with you during testimony, if you wish. You also have the right to have your name and address kept confidential if you request it.

You have the right to refuse to answer questions or take part in activities that could incriminate you. However, if you do choose to participate in the criminal justice process, you must tell the truth. Failing to do so could result in charges of perjury.

Victims Rights Information After Conviction (Adult)

After the offender has been convicted of a crime, you have the right to be notified of their status and location. You can do this by registering with the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association’s VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program.

When you register with VINE, you will be given a personal identification number (PIN). You can use this PIN to call the VINE hotline 24 hours a day to find out if the offender has been released from custody or transferred to another facility.

You can also sign up for notifications from the Oregon Offender Search website. This website allows you to search for offenders in custody, on parole, or on probation. You can then sign up to receive email or text message notifications whenever the offender’s status changes.

For more information about VINE or the Oregon Offender Search website, contact the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association at 1-503-585-8685 or visit their website.

Crime Victims Compensation in Oregon

If you are a victim of crime in Oregon, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. This program can help with expenses such as medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs.

To be eligible for compensation, you must report the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours and cooperate with the criminal justice process. You must also have suffered physical injury or emotional distress as a result of the crime.

For more information about the Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, contact the Oregon Department of Justice at 1-800-452-8260 or visit their website.

Victims Are Not Eligible If:

-The victim was engaged in criminal activity at the time of the incident.
-The injury was self-inflicted.
-The crime occurred more than two years ago.
-There is another source of payment for the expenses, such as insurance.

Rights to Restitution

If you are a victim of a crime, you have the right to restitution. This means that the offender must pay you back for any financial losses you incurred as a result of the crime. Restitution can include expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

You also have the right to file a civil suit against the offender, regardless of whether they are convicted of a crime. A civil suit is separate from the criminal justice process and can help you recover damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and punitive damages.

Oregon Restorative Justice Programs

If you are a victim of crime, you may be eligible to participate in a restorative justice program. Restorative justice is an alternative to the traditional criminal justice process that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime, rather than punishing the offender.

Restorative justice programs typically involve three parties: the victim, the offender, and a facilitator. The facilitator helps everyone involved in the program to communicate with each other and come to an agreement about how to make things right.

Victims Services in Oregon

If you are a victim of crime, there are several services available to you in Oregon. These services can help you cope with the aftermath of a crime and can provide you with information about your rights and the criminal justice process.

Some of the services available to victims of crime in Oregon include:

• Crisis counseling
• Legal Advocacy
• Financial assistance
• Support groups
• Safety planning

Crime Victims Resources

If you are a victim of crime, there are many resources available to help you. Some of these resources include:

• Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force
• Oregon Crime Victims Law Center
• Victim Notification About Offenders – Vine
• Elder Abuse
• Rape and Sexual Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Crime Victims Compensation
• Oregon County Crime Victims Assistance Programs

Reporting a Crime

If you are the victim of a crime, it is important to report it to law enforcement as soon as possible. You can do this by calling 9-1-1 or your local police department.

When you report the crime, be sure to give the dispatcher or officer your name, address, and phone number. You should also describe the offender, if possible. If you have been injured, tell the dispatcher or officer so that medical help can be sent to you.

If you witness a crime, you should also report it to law enforcement. Be sure to give them your name and contact information so that they can follow up with you if necessary.

You have the right to remain anonymous when you report a crime. However, giving your name and contact information will allow law enforcement to keep you updated on the status of their investigation and notify you of any court proceedings.