THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION AND THE FLORIDA STATUES Chapter 960.001 GUARANTEE VICTIMS OF CRIME THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS, IN SUMMARY:

To be informed about: available social services, crisis intervention and victim compensation; the victims role in the criminal justice process; the right to be present, informed and heard iat all crucial stages of judicial proceedings; steps that are available to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation; schedule changes when the victim is scheduled to attend judical proceedings; submitting written or oral impact statements;the right to receive information regarding proceedings relating to the accused, and the arrest, escape and release of the offender from incarceration.

> The victim has the right to request and receive restitution and any property held for eveidence shall be returned promptly unless there is compelling reason to retain the property.

> The victim can request assistance in notifying creditors of the serious financial hardship experienced due to the crime, and their employer of the need to be absent from work due to prosecution of the case. They can also request a victim advocate be present at discovery depositions.

>The victim shall be provided general victim assistance, victims’ rights information card and brochure.

> Victims of a felony involving physical or emotional injury or trauma shall be consulted by the state attorney to obtain views regarding the disposition of the case.