Ohio Victim Rights

Marsy's Law

“Marsy’s Law” was passed by the Ohio Legislature in 2017.  The purpose of the law was intended to ensure that basic constitutional rights are provided to crime victims in the State of Ohio. As a victim of crime, you have constitutionally protected rights. 

The State of Ohio has identified and described these rights under the victim’s bill of rights in the Ohio Constitution, Article 1, Section 10a.

Rights of Victims

1. To be treated with fairness and respect for the victim’s safety, dignity, and privacy; 
2. Upon request, to reasonable and timely notice of all public proceedings involving the criminal offense or delinquent act against the victim, and to be present at all such proceedings; (Upon request)
3. To be heard in any public proceeding involving the release, pleas, sentencing, disposition, or parole, or in any public proceeding in which a right of the victim is implicated; (Upon request)
4. To reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused; 
5. Upon request, to reasonable notice of any release or escape of the accused; (Upon request)
6. Except as authorized by section 10, Article 1 of this constitution, to refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request made by the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused; 
7. To full and timely restitution from the person who committed the criminal offense or delinquent act against the victim; 
8. To proceedings free from unreasonable delay and a prompt conclusion of the case;
9. Upon request, to confer with the attorney for the government; and (Upon request)
10. To be informed, in writing, of all rights enumerated in this section. 

Victim Rights Request and Waiver Form

These rights are detailed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Section at the Ohio Attorney General website or by calling 800-582-2877. 

Some rights are automatic and some rights require you to request them below. To request these rights, complete the online request/waiver form. This request/waiver will be forwarded directly to the Lebanon Police Department and the City of Lebanon Prosecutor: 

VICTIM'S RIGHTS REQUEST/WAIVER FORM

Additional Information

Requesting and Enforcing Your Rights:

You can choose to exercise all, some, or none of your rights.

You can change your mind at any time about which rights you choose to exercise. However, if you choose not to exercise some rights and then request them later, you may give up some rights that only apply during certain stages of the case.

If you change your mind, you must call or email the investigating officer, prosecutor, court, prison, jail, or community-based correctional facility, or complete this form again to ensure officials have updated information on the rights you wish to exercise, and updated contact information.

If any of your rights are denied, you may ask the advocate or prosecutor to help, seek enforcement on your own, hire an attorney, or request free legal assistance from Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center or call 614-848-8500.

An online resource to help you understand and exercise your rights is the Victims Rights Toolkit at Ohio Crime Victims.

Privacy and Safety:

Protection Order:  The investigating officer can provide available resources to assist with obtaining a protection order; additionally, further information can be located through:

You may be able to keep your address private by obtaining a Safe at Home address. Learn more at Safe At Home or call 614-995-2255.

You can receive texts, calls, or emails to receive notice of a defendant or offender’s release or escape from jail or prison. Register at Vine Link.

Arraignment:

Arraignment is a hearing that can happen within a couple days after the defendant is charged with a crime.

If you request notification, law enforcement will notify you of the arrest of the defendant and can provide a phone number for the clerk of the court to get information on the date, time, and location of the arraignment proceeding.

During arraignment, the judge decides whether to release the defendant on bond, bond conditions, and sometimes whether to issue a protection order.

You have the right to attend the arraignment and tell the judge about any safety concerns and your opinion regarding release, bond conditions, and whether or not you would like a protection order.

Compensation and Restitution:

Crime Victim Compensation Fund: You may be eligible to apply for reimbursement for certain financial losses relating to your victimization, even if the suspect has not been arrested or convicted. You may apply at Ohio Attorney General.

Restitution: Upon conviction, the court must order the offender to pay you for certain financial losses relating to your victimization. It is important to keep a record of all expenses incurred as a result of the crime so that the court can use this information to determine what costs are properly included in an order of restitution.