How Can a Victims' Rights Attorney Help?

Our legal system is complex, and violations of victims’ rights can happen. It can be very helpful for crime victims to have an attorney.

Although prosecutors can and do at times advocate for victims’ rights, they are not a victim’s attorney. Prosecutors represent the interests of the government and are required to share certain information that they are aware of with the defendant, including some information that is shared with them or shared with law enforcement by victims.

In contrast, a victims’ rights attorney represents the interests of their client, the victim, and communications between the victims’ rights attorney and the victim have special protections called privilege, which means that they cannot be shared with others without the victim’s permission, except under very narrow circumstances. A victims’ rights attorney can provide legal advice and file papers with the court to ask for enforcement of victims’ rights. In fact, even from the earliest moments after victimization, a victims’ rights attorney can explain the different legal options, help the victim navigate the system (including law enforcement), and help a victim find the path that is right for them.

For all of these reasons, having a victims’ rights attorney is often the best way to ensure that a victim’s voice and rights are protected. More information about the role of victims’ rights attorneys and why victims may benefit from having their own attorney can be accessed on the What Can I Do with Crime Victims' Rights page.

Getting Help

As part of the Victims’ Rights Advice Project, qualifying individuals may post a question to be answered by a volunteer attorney at no cost. Interested individuals may click here to complete a brief screening questionnaire by clicking on Find Out If You Qualify.

Additional information about resources for victims of hate and bias crimes in Oregon and elsewhere are located on the Resources page.