GREENSTEIN/ALBANO MEASURE TO ENHANCE VICTIMS RIGHTS ADVANCES
Measure Would Ensure Greater Protection from Intimidation, Timely Access to Case Information, Medical Treatment for Crime-Related Injury

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assembly members Linda Greenstein and Nelson Albano sponsored to enhance the rights of victims under the state's existing "Crime Victim's Bill of Rights" was released today from the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

"Victims of crime undergo a harrowing experience that makes them extremely vulnerable," said Greenstein (D-Middlesex), who also serves as chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. "When crime victims come before the courts or law enforcement for justice, we must ensure the process is as painless as possible and helps restore their faith in the rule of law and a humane society."

The measure (A-2723) would raise the bar on victims' rights by guaranteeing higher protection against intimidation, providing greater access to - and speedier updates on - case and trial information, and ensuring medical treatment in cases where the victim's injury or condition is related to the crime incident.

"Loopholes in our criminal justice system may have unintentionally subjected victims to harassment, delays in case information, and denials for crime related medical treatment," said Albano (D-Cumberland/Atlantic/Cape May). "Such aggravation of a victim's suffering is unacceptable."
The bill would enhance victims' rights by:

· Expanding protections against intimidation, including the right to be free of harassment or abuse by anyone involved in the criminal justice process, a defendant, or anyone acting in support of, or on behalf of, a defendant;

· Expanding a victim's right to medical treatment at the discretion of law enforcement agency to any injury treatment related to the incident;

· Guaranteeing the right to be notified of any change in court schedules such as an adjournment or cancellation of a proceeding;

· Guaranteeing the right to be compensated for any loss incurred;

· Guaranteeing the right to make an in-person statement directly to the sentencing court.

"Victims fight crime by helping to bring the guilty to justice, often at the cost of reliving the horror over and over again;" said Greenstein. "We have an obligation to help victims heal by providing them the greatest consideration and highest protection."

The bill also is sponsored by Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris).

The measure was released 4 to 1 with one abstention. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker who will decide if and when to post it for a floor vote.

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