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Kandiyohi County attorney and victim services staff outline victim rights, outreach ahead of National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Summary
County Attorney Shane Baker and victim services coordinators reviewed statutory victim rights, case-notification practices, restitution and trial-preparation supports March 18 at the Kandiyohi County Board meeting; coordinators estimated about 450 active cases between them and described texting and in-person supports.
Kandiyohi County Attorney Shane Baker and the county's victim services coordinators told the Board of Commissioners on March 18 that their office maintains statutory notification and participation duties for crime victims and provides ongoing case support.
Baker told the board that victim services exist because victims are the only group in the criminal process who did not choose to be involved. He said the office has maintained victim services positions since 2006 and that the two current coordinators together have roughly 25 years of local experience.
The presentation outlined statutory rights that the office must uphold, including early notice of rights, notification and input on pretrial release and plea agreements, the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement at sentencing, confidentiality options for addresses and post-conviction notification rights. Baker said the Office of Justice Programs guidance at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety informs many of those practices.
"We will answer the same question 85 times if that's what you need," said Jen Hovland, Victim Services Coordinator, describing the office's approach to repeated outreach and explanation for people who find the system overwhelming. Hovland and Bridget Peterson said they use text messaging, phone calls and in-person meetings to keep victims informed and to prepare witnesses for court.
The coordinators described hands-on trial preparation, including courtroom tours and safety planning, and explained how they help victims assemble documentation for restitution claims and file victim impact statements so the court and prosecutors receive them. Peterson and Hovland said most criminal cases in the county resolve by plea but that the office prepares victims for trial when needed.
Baker and the coordinators said victims may decline to participate and that the office will still fulfill statutory notice duties. Baker said the office also notifies victims when charges are declined.
Commissioners asked about caseloads and funding. Baker estimated "approximately 450" active cases combined between the two coordinators and said the office receives a grant of about $70,000 per year in addition to county support.
The presentation was timed to precede National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 6'12, and the coordinators provided a copy of a victim letter that a board member requested.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the session was an informational update.
