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Victim Impact Statement
What It Means
As a crime victim of a felony, you have the right to use this Victim Impact Statement to describe how this crime affected you and others close to you. This statement allows for you to write about the physical, emotional and financial effects of this crime, as well as any other changes in you life you have experienced.
This is your one chance to tell the judge how you feel in your own words. However, we ask that you do not tell the judge how much time the defendant should receive as punishment. You may use the Victim Impact Statement Form or write it in essay form.
Note: Filling out the Victim Impact Statement is voluntary.
Purpose
This Victim Impact Statement form gives the victim or others affected by crime(s) the opportunity to express, in writing, the impact of this (these) crime(s). This may include any economic losses, the extent of any physical or psychological injuries, and any major life changes as a result of the crime(s).
Pre-Sentence Report
A written pre-sentence report is prepared by a probation and parole officer to assist the judge in sentencing. This report focuses on the crime, the defendant’s background, and any criminal history. The Victim Impact Statement is also part of this pre-sentence report.
Your statement will become an official court document after it is given to the court, and will become part of the defendant’s permanent file. The Judge, prosecutor, probation officer and defense attorney will read your Victim Impact Statement. They may even be able to ask you questions about your statement in court. The defendant will also be able to read what you have written. However, the defendant will not be able to see your address and telephone number because you are not asked to put this information on your statement.
Judge's Decision
A Victim Impact Statement may also helpful to the judge when he or she decides what sentence the defendant should receive and/or if restitution is ordered. Restitution is money that the judge orders the defendant to pay to you, the victim. However, there is no guarantee that the defendant will be able to pay the entire amount.
No one knows better than you do how this crime may have changed your life. Those of us involved in your case believe it is very important for you to help the court understand all of the ways this crime has affected you and those close to you. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this information.
As a crime victim of a felony, you have the right to use this Victim Impact Statement to describe how this crime affected you and others close to you. This statement allows for you to write about the physical, emotional and financial effects of this crime, as well as any other changes in you life you have experienced.
This is your one chance to tell the judge how you feel in your own words. However, we ask that you do not tell the judge how much time the defendant should receive as punishment. You may use the Victim Impact Statement Form or write it in essay form.
Note: Filling out the Victim Impact Statement is voluntary.
Purpose
This Victim Impact Statement form gives the victim or others affected by crime(s) the opportunity to express, in writing, the impact of this (these) crime(s). This may include any economic losses, the extent of any physical or psychological injuries, and any major life changes as a result of the crime(s).
Pre-Sentence Report
A written pre-sentence report is prepared by a probation and parole officer to assist the judge in sentencing. This report focuses on the crime, the defendant’s background, and any criminal history. The Victim Impact Statement is also part of this pre-sentence report.
Your statement will become an official court document after it is given to the court, and will become part of the defendant’s permanent file. The Judge, prosecutor, probation officer and defense attorney will read your Victim Impact Statement. They may even be able to ask you questions about your statement in court. The defendant will also be able to read what you have written. However, the defendant will not be able to see your address and telephone number because you are not asked to put this information on your statement.
Judge's Decision
A Victim Impact Statement may also helpful to the judge when he or she decides what sentence the defendant should receive and/or if restitution is ordered. Restitution is money that the judge orders the defendant to pay to you, the victim. However, there is no guarantee that the defendant will be able to pay the entire amount.
No one knows better than you do how this crime may have changed your life. Those of us involved in your case believe it is very important for you to help the court understand all of the ways this crime has affected you and those close to you. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this information.