TEXAS CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS

Pursuant to the Code Of Criminal Procedures, Chapter 56, victims of crime have the right to Art. 56.02. CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS.  (a) A victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to the following rights within the criminal justice system:

1. Receive adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts

2. Have their safety considered by the magistrate when setting bail

3. Receive information, on request, of relevant court proceedings, including appellate proceedings, cancellations, and rescheduling prior to the event and of appellate court decisions after the decisions are entered but before they are made public.

4. Receive information, on request, from a peace officer about the defendant’s right to bail and criminal investigation procedures, and from the prosecutor’s office about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea agreements, restitution, appeals, and parole

5. Provide pertinent information concerning the impact of the crime to the probation department conducting the pre-sentencing investigation

6. Information about Crime Victim’s Compensation and payment for a medical exam for a victim of sexual assault

7. Information on parole procedures, notification of parole procedure and the inmates release, the right to participate in the parole process, and the right to submit information to the board to be considered prior to parole

8. A separate or secure waiting area at all public court proceedings

9. The prompt return of any property that is no longer needed as evidence

10. Notification to the victim’s employer by the prosecutor that the need for the victim’s testimony may involve the victim’s absence from work

11. Testing and counseling on request regarding AIDS and HIV infection and testing for victims of sexual assault

12. Request Victim-offender mediation

13. Be informed of the use and purpose of a victim impact statement, complete a victim impact statement, and have the statement considered before sentencing and acceptance of a plea bargain and before an inmate is released on parole. 

14. Except as provided by article 56.06 (a), a victim of sexual assault has the right to a forensic medical examination if the sexual assault is reported to a law enforcement agency within 96 hours of the assault. Or an exam is conducted at a healthcare facility

15. For a victim of an assault or sexual assault under the age of 17 or whose case involves family violence, the right to have the court consider the impact on the victim of a continuance requested by the defendant