Crime victims can often feel forgotten during criminal proceedings. The rights of the criminals can seem to be more protected than the rights of the victim. You have specific rights as the victim of a crime, and it’s important to ensure they are honored.
The prosecutor’s office is a busy place, and the victims can easily become lost in the shuffle. If you don’t have an advocate to defend your rights, your protections under the law can fall by the wayside. In some instances, the prosecutor’s goals may not be in line with yours.
When you feel that your goals are different from the prosecutor’s, it may be time to consider having legal representation. A Phoenix crime victim attorney from Zanes Law can help you to understand and exercise your rights as a victim. We can ensure that your voice is heard.
What Can a Phoenix Crime Victim Lawyer Do For You?
While the state of Arizona offers many programs and services for victims’ rights and advocacy, sometimes their ideas are more in line with the wishes of the prosecutor’s office. They can and do help many people, but the crime victim can frequently become lost in the shuffle.
While the court appoints a lawyer to anyone convicted of a crime, you may need to have your own advocate to ensure that your desires are expressed in the matter. The prosecutor is there to prosecute the victim, but with a crime victim attorney, you can fight for longer sentences or speak out against plea bargains.
Some of the things a Phoenix crime victim lawyer can do to help you are:
- Provide legal support, advice, and education about the legal system
- Advocate for the rights of victims in all legal proceedings
- Advocate for stronger punishment
- Assist with civil stalking injunctions
- Help with a victim impact statement
- Obtain an order of protection or injunction against harassment
- Obtaining awards of restitution for victims
- Fight to ensure that the district attorney’s office keeps you updated and informed of the release of the defendant from custody
- Pursue a civil claim to pursue compensation for damages
Having a lawyer on your side can help you to navigate the muddy waters of the legal process and help you to fight for justice. Your attorney can offer valuable advice and guidance about what steps should be taken to move forward and heal.
For a free legal consultation with a crime victim lawyer serving Phoenix, call 866-499-8989
We Can Make The Court Hear Your Voice
In order to avoid lengthy trials, a prosecutor can strike a plea agreement with the defense counsel. The defendant will then get a lighter sentence than he would have gotten if he had been forced to go to trial.
When you have a private crime victim attorney, your voice can be heard in these proceedings. A lawyer will object to such plea deals and speak on your behalf. The involvement of a lawyer and your active participation in the case matters. It can lead to a trial or get the judge to reconsider the criteria of the plea.
No crime victim wants to see a perpetrator walk away with a slap on the wrist. It can be extremely frustrating and make the victim feel as though their pain doesn’t matter. A crime victim lawyer in Phoenix can be your advocate and fight to ensure that you aren’t re-victimized by the justice system.
Phoenix Crime Victim Lawyer Near Me 866-499-8989
When Is A Civil Case Appropriate?
Crime victims often endure hardship or financial losses as a result of the criminal act. Some may need extensive medical treatment, or there can be property loss. When the expenses are more than victim restitution can offer, a civil case may be in order.
Some of the situations that often result in a civil court case filing are:
Drunk Driving
When people are hurt or killed by a drunk driver, the injury victim or family members of the deceased may pursue damages with a civil court claim.
Failure to Provide a Safe Environment
Schools, businesses, and workplaces are obligated to take reasonable steps to protect the people on the property. For example, if students are raped on campus because security measures are inadequate, a civil claim can be filed.
Assault
Pursuing compensation for your injuries and other damages after an assault is not uncommon. Many assault victims find that pursuing assets or forcing a defendant to use insurance coverage can be the most efficient way to financial recovery.
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Where Can You Find Information About Your Rights?
Your Victims Rights in the state of Arizona can be found in the Handbook of Victim’s Rights or in the Arizona State Constitution. Some of the rights you are guaranteed include:
- To receive prompt restitution from the person or persons convicted of the crime
- To review pre-sentencing reports
- Be present at and informed of all criminal proceedings
- Be informed when an accused or convicted person is released from custody or escapes
- To present your voice at any court proceeding involving plea negotiations, sentencing decisions or considerations of confinement release
- To decline to participate in depositions, interviews, or discovery requests
- To confer with the prosecution, after the crime against the victim has been charged
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Contact a Phoenix Crime Victim Law Firm Today
A crime victim attorney with Zanes Law in Phoenix can provide legal representation that goes above and beyond what the prosecutor’s office can offer. As the victim of a crime, you deserve to have adequate legal counsel that will advocate for you and protect your interests.
You can take action to have your rights defended and to have your side of the heard. You can have the representation and legal counsel you need with help from a law firm that cares about your rights. Contact us today.
Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
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