One of the rights afforded to victims of federal crimes by the Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2004 is the right to be notified. Victims have the right to be informed of the services they are entitled to receive; any public court proceedings related to the crime; and the status of the accused, including any release or escape from custody.
The right to notification is also supported by each state; however, the system by which victim notification is performed may vary. Victims of federal crimes can obtain information through the federal Victim Notification System. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Victim Notification Program provides information on persons convicted of a crime who entered the country illegally.
The following resources provide information on victim notification.