Victim Rights
Both State and Federal laws were established to protect victims and survivors throughout the criminal justice process. An overview of victim rights is listed below. Some rights are automatic, others (indicated with*) are only triggered by request from the victim.
Please note, this is not a complete list more detailed information can be found in the Victims’ Rights Handbook. If you are concerned your rights may have been violated, please contact the Office of Victims Rights.
You have the right to be notified of specific events throughout the criminal justice process. Notifications will be made by law enforcement or the prosecuting attorney’s office and may include notice of trial, sentencing and appeal dates and changes. You also have the right to be notified of any release consideration proceedings; including not guilty by reason of insanity and special medical parole.
Many of these notifications must be requested by the victim. Contact your prosecutor’s office to ensure you are set up to receive the notification. Note: Any changes in contact information (phone, address, etc.) should be updated with prosecutor’s office to ensure continued contact.
Victims of crime, like all Alaska citizens, are legally entitled to have their privacy protected under the Alaska Constitution [Art. I, sec. 22]. If a victim submits an application to the Violent Crimes Compensation Board, the application is confidential [AS 18.67.030(c)].
If a defendant is charged with kidnapping or a sex crime (which includes: sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, indecent exposure or kidnapping), the victim’s name is not a public record and may not be used in court documents. Instead, the victim will be identified by his or her initials.
The residence and business addresses and telephone numbers of a victim is confidential [AS 12.61.140; AS 12.61.110; AS 12.61.120(a); AS 12.61.130(a)].
Defense attorneys must identify themselves and their association with the defendant when speaking with a victim or witness [AS 12.61.120(c)(1). In domestic violence and sexual assault cases victims have the right to decide whether or not to speak to the defense attorney. If the victim permits the defense attorney an interview, the victim may have the prosecuting attorney or another person present.
Victims of sexual offenses also have the right to file written notice that they do not want to be contacted by the defense attorney or other person acting on behalf of the defendant [AS 12.61.125(a)(1)].