What is the Victim Rights Act (VRA)?
The Victim Rights Act (VRA) in Colorado ensures that crime victims are treated with fairness, respect, dignity and that they are free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse. The VRA also helps to ensure that victims are informed of critical stages of the criminal justice process and that they may be present for, and heard, at certain stages as well.
What are my rights as a crime victim?
Colorado law guarantees certain rights for victims. See Crimes that fall under the Victim Rights Act for a full listing of these rights. The statutes also outline the responsibilities of criminal justice agencies and provide a way for victims to file a claim if they believe an agency has failed to uphold their victim rights. Read more about the Victims Rights Act in the Colorado Crime Victim Rights Brochure.
- Additional versions
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Crime Victims Have Rights! (Large Print, English)
Derechos de las Víctimas de Crímenes en Colorado (Spanish)
Права Потерпевших от Преступлений в Колорадо (Russian)
- Full Statutes - Guidelines for Assuring the Rights of Victims of and Witnesses to Crimes
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24-4.1-301 Legislative Declaration
24-4.1-302 Definitions
24-4.1-302.5 Rights Afforded to Victims - Definitions
24-4.1-303 Procedures for Ensuring Rights of Victims of Crimes
24-4.1-304 Child Victim or Witness - Rights and Services
24-4.1-305 Disclosure by Agent of Defense-Initiated Victim Outreach
Post-Sentencing Notification
Following the sentencing of an offender, the offender will be supervised by a post-sentencing agency. After sentencing, you will be automatically enrolled for notification except when the offender is sentenced to probation.
If the offender was sentenced to probation and you wish to be notified, please fill out the appropriate form and return it to the probation department that is supervising the defendant:
- Colorado Probation Victim Notification Program
- Programa de notificación a víctimas del Departamento de Libertad Condicional de Colorado
Learn more about The Role and Responsibilities of the Probation Department.
Use the interactive map to locate and contact the Victim Witness Specialist in your area
Being a victim of a crime and experiencing the court system can be difficult and confusing. Contact the District Attorney’s Office in the judicial district where the crime occurred and ask for a Victim Witness Specialist. A Victim Witness Specialist can provide support, information, and referrals.
Learn More About The Victim Rights Act (Recorded Webinars)
The Basics
Colorado Victim Rights Act YouTube Video
Colorado Victim Rights Act Video Transcript
Learn more about Colorado's Victim Rights Act and how victims are provided rights throughout the criminal justice system.
For District Attorneys
Colorado Victim Rights Act for Deputy District Attorneys YouTube Video
Colorado Victim Rights Act for Deputy District Attorneys Video Transcript
Learn more about Colorado's Victim Rights Act specific to the role of a Deputy District Attorney in providing victims with rights throughout the criminal justice system.
For Law Enforcement
Colorado Victim Rights Act for Law Enforcement YouTube Video
Colorado Victim Rights Act for Law Enforcement Video Transcript
Learn more about Colorado's Victim Rights Act specific to the role of law enforcement in providing victims with rights throughout the criminal justice system.