Who Is Considered a Victim Under Marsy’s Law?

Unfortunately, victims of crimes and their families can often feel left in the dark regarding the criminal case against the perpetrator of the crime. Additionally, some victims and their families experience threats or harassment during the progression of the defendant’s case. In Florida, Marsy’s Law was designed to give crime victims certain protections and constitutional rights. Marsy’s Law defines victims as anyone who has suffered physical, mental, or financial harm as the result of a crime being attempted or committed.

A board-certified criminal law attorney from Fighter Law, like Thomas Feiter, can help you understand all of the rights you are owed under Marsy’s Law. If you or a loved one were the victim of a crime, reach out to Fighter Law to discuss how Marsy’s Law protects you.

Who Is a Victim Under Marsy’s Law?

Marsy’s Law is a part of the Florida Constitution that lays out certain rights and protections for the victims of crimes. It was passed in 2018 and went into effect in 2019. The law defines a victim as “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act or against whom the crime or delinquent act is committed.” Additionally, a victim may include the lawful representative of the victim, the parents or legal guardians of a minor victim, or a homicide victim’s next of kin when no conflict of interest is present.

If you are considered a victim under Marsy’s Law, you should consult with a skilled criminal law attorney who can help you understand and exercise your rights. Following the different stages of a criminal justice proceeding can be complicated and emotionally taxing for victims. With the assistance of an experienced lawyer, you can stay informed of important hearings and other stages of the case without it consuming your life.

What Rights Do Victims Have Under Marsy’s Law?

Marsy’s Law grants crime victims certain rights the moment they become the victim of a crime. These rights automatically belong to a crime victim, and victims should notify the prosecution of any violations of such rights. The victims’ rights include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The right to due process
• The right to be treated with fairness and respect
• The right to be free from harassment, abuse, and intimidation
• The right to have the victim’s and victim’s family safety considered when setting bail
• The right to restitution from each convicted offender
• The right to block the release of information that could result in harassment of the victim and the victim’s family

In addition to the above automatic victims’ rights, Marsy’s Law also grants victims certain rights upon request. These rights include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The right to be notified of all criminal proceedings
• The right to be present at all criminal proceedings
• The right to be notified of the defendant’s release or escape
• The right to be heard at certain proceedings
• The right to be informed of post-conviction procedures and processes

Marsy’s Law delineates even more rights than the ones listed above, and a skilled lawyer can help you understand how those rights affect you. 

Contact the Skilled Lawyers With Fighter Law to Protect Your Rights as a Crime Victim

Marsy’s Law was designed to give crime victims certain constitutional rights and protections. There are numerous rights available to you if you are a crime victim, but some rights are available only upon request. You should not hesitate to speak with our skilled criminal law attorneys who can help you understand all of your rights under Marsy’s Law.

At Fighter Law, we have been pioneers on the front lines of legal advocacy for victims and survivors, staying ahead of the evolving landscape of Florida law to provide compassionate, authoritative representation. Our firm is uniquely positioned to offer a balanced and empathetic approach, with partners Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis bringing both male and female perspectives to the table. This dynamic ensures that clients feel comfortable discussing delicate and personal topics, knowing they are being heard and supported in a safe and understanding environment. With extensive experience as former prosecutors and board-certified trial attorneys, we navigate complex legal changes effectively to protect the rights of those impacted by crime. Whether representing survivors in criminal cases or pursuing justice in civil courts, we are trusted advisors who combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the sensitive and emotional nature of these cases. By staying informed about legislative updates and case law developments, we ensure our clients receive the highest level of representation, making their voices heard and their rights safeguarded.

At Fighter Law, our team is ready to help you exercise your rights today. You can call (407) 344-4837 or fill out our contact form here to schedule a consultation with us.

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