MISSION
The Victim Services section of the Utah Attorney General’s Office serves victims of crimes. Our organization’s mission is to empower individuals and provide them with guidance.
Our goal is to provide information and support regarding routine processes that occur during the criminal and judicial process.
THE COURT
These definitions provide more information about the following court procedures:
- First Appearance: The first step in the court process is a first appearance. At this hearing, a defendant is appointed as an attorney if the defendant cannot afford one. A preliminary hearing date is set.
- Preliminary Hearing: In felony cases, the prosecution must present evidence to show probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the defendant committed the crime. If the judge finds there is probable cause, the defendant is “bound over” to the District Court for arraignment and trial. If probable cause is not found, the case will be dismissed.
- Arraignment: The defendant appears before a judge and is advised of the right to have a trial by a judge or a jury. A plea to the charges is entered. Incarceration of the defendant is also considered. Witnesses are normally not required at the arraignment.
To learn more about the criminal justice system procedures, view the AGO Court Processes Brochure.
VINE
VINE is an automated service that allows you to track the custody status of inmates in jail or prison via phone or the Internet.
As soon as you register, VINE will notify you of any changes in an offender’s custody status, such as release, transfer, or escape.
DIRECT VICTIM ASSISTANCE
Victim Bill of Rights
As a victim or witness of a crime, your rights are important.
To ensure that all victims and witnesses of a crime are treated sensitively and respectfully, the Utah Legislature passed a Victims Bill of Rights in 1987 and a Constitutional Amendment in 1994.
Summary of Victim Rights
Victims have the right “to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice process.”
Victims have rights in relation to “important criminal justice hearings,” which include preliminary hearings, arraignments, disposition of charges, conditions of release/bail hearings, trials, sentencing hearings, and parole hearings.
- Victims have the right, upon request, to be informed of all important criminal justice hearings.
- Victims have the right to be present and heard at arraignments, disposition of charges, conditions of release/bail hearings, and sentencing hearings.
- Victims have the right to be present at (but not to be heard at) preliminary hearings and trials.
- These rights apply to all felonies in adult courts and juvenile cases involving offenses that would be felonies if committed by an adult.
Victims and witnesses have the right to reasonable employer intercession services to minimize loss of pay and benefits.
Victims and witnesses have the right to be informed about the level of protection available to protect them from intimidation and harm.
Victims and witnesses have the right to a secure waiting area that does not require them to be in close proximity to defendants and offenders.
Victims have a right to privacy and should not be forced to disclose their address, telephone number, place of employment, or other locating information without a compelling reason.
Victims have the right to have a sentencing judge, for the purpose of imposing an appropriate sentence, receive and consider reliable information concerning the background, character, and conduct of those convicted.
Victims have the right to restitution when appropriate and may be eligible for reparations.
Victims have a right to a speedy trial and disposition of charges.
Additional Rights for Child Victims
The right to have interviews relating to a criminal prosecution is kept to a minimum.
The right to be questioned in a manner that is appropriate to the child’s age and understanding. The right not to be questioned in a manner that implies they are responsible for the inappropriate behavior of adults.
The right to protection from physical and emotional abuse during their involvement with the criminal justice process.
The right to be informed of available community resources and how to gain access to those resources.
INTERNSHIP
Victim Services internships are part-time and unpaid. Flexible schedules are available. Victim Services interns work on criminal appellate cases, human trafficking cases, capital cases, and other felony cases involving crime victims. Duties include informing victims of their statutory victims’ rights, notifying victims of court hearings, accompanying victims to court, following up with victims regarding case status, identifying victims’ needs and providing referrals/resources, and other tasks as needed.
Visit the State of Utah Job Opportunities page anytime to apply for one of our internships. Internship applications are open until filled. If you have any questions, please contact us at 801-366-0300 or email AGHR@agutah.gov.
RESOURCES
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: SMS 988 or call (800) 273-8255
- Crime Victim Reparation Application: English and Spanish
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673
- Human Trafficking Tip Line: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to BeFree (233733)
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: (800) 897-5465 or email admin@udvc.org
CONTACT
To contact Victim Services directly, call (801) 281-1206 or (801) 281-1291. You can also contact us via email at victimservices@agutah.gov.
