Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Initiative

The Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services understands that crime victims often feel frustrated and overwhelmed by the criminal justice system, particularly if they believe their rights may have been violated. If you are a crime victim, you are legally entitled to rights and services provided by Maryland agencies.

Our primary concern for crime victims in Maryland is to ensure that they are treated fairly by the criminal justice system.

The Compliance Initiative provides victims of crime with direct access to assistance through our toll-free Compliance Line (1-877-927-4632) or we may be contacted by e-mail at myrights@VictimsVoice.us.   Important: enter "Victims Voice" in the subject line of your email so that it is flagged for a priority response. As a victim of crime, you are given a unique opportunity to voice your concerns. If you feel your rights have been violated or if you have been mistreated by the criminal justice system please submit a report. The Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services employ a Victim Rights Compliance Coordinator who promotes compliance with victim rights laws. The Compliance Coordinator also works with the criminal justice system as a resource to ensure that victims' rights laws are upheld at every stage of the process.

What the Victim' Rights Compliance Coordinator can do for you:

• Provide information about procedures and practices of the criminal justice system.
• Explain victims' rights laws as they relate to the criminal justice system.
• Provide referrals to criminal justice agencies and service organizations.
• Promote victim participation in the justice process.
• Conduct a Compliance Investigation to determine if there has been a violation and/or mistreatment of a victim.
• Recommend fair and appropriate resolutions to complaints.
• Assist agencies in performing mandated victims' rights duties by providing support and technical assistance.

Scope and Limitations

• The Victims' Rights Compliance Coordinator is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.
• The Victims' Rights Compliance Coordinator has no authority to interfere with a criminal investigation or to review decisions about how or whether to proceed with a case.
• Although victims may choose to take other actions, please note that neither the Compliance Coordinator nor the Maryland State Board of Victim Services has the authority to change the outcome of court proceedings and other criminal justice decisions.