The Constitution of the State of Colorado and the laws of the state [Section 24-4.1-302(1) C.R.S]
guarantee certain rights to victims of the following criminal acts: 

• Murder in the first degree, in violation of section 18-3-102; 
• Murder in the second degree, in violation of section 18-3-103; 
• Manslaughter, in violation of section 18-3-104; 
• Criminally negligent homicide, in violation of section 18-3-105; 
• Vehicular homicide, in violation of section 18-3-106; 
• Assault in the first degree, in violation of section 18-3-202; 
• Assault in the second degree, in violation of section 18-3-203; 
• Assault in the third degree, in violation of section 18-3-204; 
• Vehicular assault, in violation of section 18-3-205; 
• Menacing, in violation of section 18-3-206; 
• First degree kidnapping, in violation of section 18-3-301; 
• Second degree kidnapping, in violation of section 18-3-302; 
• (I) Sexual assault, in violation of section 18-3-402; 
• (II) Sexual assault in the first degree, in violation of section 18-3-402, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000; 
• Sexual assault in the second degree, in violation of section 18-3-403, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000; 
• (I) Unlawful sexual contact, in violation of section 18-3-404; or 
• (II) Sexual assault in the third degree, in violation of section 18-3-404, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000; 
• Sexual assault on a child, in violation of section 18-3-405; 
• Sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, in violation of section 18-3-405.3; 
• Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, in violation of section 18-3-405.5; 
• Invasion of privacy, in violation of section 18-7-801 
• Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification, in violation of section 18-3-405.6; 
• Robbery, in violation of section 18-4-301; 
• Aggravated robbery, in violation of section 18-4-302; 
• Aggravated robbery of controlled substances, in violation of section 18-4-303; 
• Incest, in violation of section 18-6-301; 
• Aggravated incest, in violation of section 18-6-302; 
• Child abuse, in violation of section 18-6-401; 
• Sexual exploitation of children, in violation of section 18-6-403; 
• Crimes against at-risk adults or at-risk juveniles, in violation of section 18-6.5-103; 
• Any crime identified by law enforcement prior to the filing of charges as domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3; 
• An act identified by a district attorney in a formal criminal charge as domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3; 
• Any crime, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by the court on the record to include an act of domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3, pursuant to section 18-6-801; 
• Stalking, in violation of section 18-3-602 or 18-9-111(4); 
• A bias-motivated crime, in violation of section 18-9-121; 
• False Reporting of an emergency in violation of section 18-8-111 that is bias-motivated crime as defined in section 18-9-121(2); 
• Harassment – ethnic intimidation 18-9-111(2) (effective 6/28/21) 
• Careless driving, in violation of section 42-4-1402, that results in the serious bodily injury or death of another person; 
• Failure to stop at the scene of an accident, in violation of section 42-4-1601, where the accident results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person; 
• Any criminal attempt, as described in section 18-2-101, any conspiracy, as described in section 18-2-201, any criminal solicitation, as described in section 18-2-301, and any accessory to a crime, as described in section 18-8-105, involving any of the crimes specified in 24-4.1-302(1); 
• Intimidating a witness or a victim, in violation of section 18-8-704; 
• Retaliation against a witness or victim, in violation of section 18-8-706, Retaliation against a judge or elected official, in violation of section 18-8-615, Retaliation against a juror, in violation of section 18-8-706.5; Retaliation against a prosecutor, in violation of section 18-8-616; 
• Aggravated intimidation of a witness or a victim, in violation of section 18-8-705; 
• Tampering with a witness or victim, in violation of section 18-8-707; 
• Indecent exposure, in violation of section 18-7-302; or 
• Violation of a protection order issued under section 18-1-1001, against a person charged with committing sexual assault, in violation of section 18-3-402, sexual assault on a child, in violation of section 18-3-405, sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, in violation of section 18-3-405.3, sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, in violation of section 18-3-405.5, or stalking in violation of section 18-3-602; 
• Human trafficking, in violation of section 18-3-503 or 18-3-504; 
• First degree burglary, in violation of section 18-4-202; 
• Second degree burglary of a dwelling, in violation of section 18-4-203 (effective 3/2022) 
• First degree arson, in violation of section 18-4-102 
• Child prostitution, in violation of section 18-7-401.; Soliciting for child prostitution, in violation of section 18-7-402; Procurement of a child for sexual exploitation, in violation of section 18-6-404; Pimping of a child, in violation of section 18-7-405; Inducement of child prostitution, in violation of section 18-7-405.5; or Patronizing a prostituted child, in violation of section 18-7-406. 
• Posting a private image for harassment in violation of section 18-7-107 or posting a private image for pecuniary gain in violation of section 18-7-108; 
• Harassment of a Transit Worker, in violation of section 18-9-111(1)(i) 

If a victim is deceased or incapacitated, these rights may be exercised by the victim’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, significant other, or other lawful representative.

For a complete list of applicable crimes, refer to Colorado Revised Statute 24-4.1-302.

A The following is a summary of the rights guaranteed by the Victim Rights Act  (For a complete listing of your rights, please refer to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-4.1-301 through 24-4.1-304 at http://dcj.ovp.state.co.us):

• To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse;
• To be informed of all “critical stages” of the criminal justice process (victims of crime must request notification, in writing, for probation critical stages);
• To be present at specified critical stages in the criminal justice process;
• To be informed about what steps can be taken including information about protection services, if there is any intimidation or harassment by a person accused or convicted of a crime or anyone acting on that person’s behalf;
• To be present and heard regarding bond reduction or modification, a subpoena for the victim’s records, acceptance of a plea agreement, sentencing or modification of a sentence, any request modification to the “no contact” provision or criminal protection order or the petition for expungement;
• To be heard by phone or similar technology when a victim cannot appear in court;
• To be informed of the existence of the criminal protection order and upon request of the victim, the procedure for modifying the protection order if a procedure exists;
• To receive a free copy of the initial incident report from the investigating law enforcement agency; except that the release of a document associated with the investigation is at the discretion of the law enforcement agency based on the status of the case or security and safety concerns in a correctional facility, local jail, or private contract prison;
• To have the victim’s social security number redacted or excluded from criminal justice documents when records are released to someone other than the victim, a criminal justice agency, or the defendant’s attorney of record;
• To be informed of the process the district attorney can use to request protection of the victim’s address (the court may or may not grant the request);
• To consult with the district attorney prior to any disposition of the case or before the case goes to trial and to be informed of the final disposition of the case;
• To be informed of the status of the case and any scheduling changes or cancellations, if known in advance;
• To receive and prepare a victim impact statement and to be present and/or heard at the sentencing hearing;
• To have the court determine restitution and to be informed of the right to pursue a civil judgment against the person convicted of the crime;
• To prevent any party at any court proceeding from compelling testimony regarding a victim’s address, telephone number, place of employment or other locating information;
• To receive a prompt return of property when it is no longer needed as evidence;
• To be informed about the possibility of restorative justice practices;
• To be informed of the availability of financial assistance and community services;
• To be provided with appropriate employer intercession services regarding court appearances and meetings with criminal justice officials;
• To be assured that in any criminal proceeding the court, the prosecutor, and other law enforcement officials will take appropriate action to achieve a swift and fair resolution of the proceedings;
• Whenever practicable, to have a safe, secure waiting area during court proceedings;
• To be informed of and have input about a motion to sequester the victim from a critical stage;
• To be informed of any request for progression from the state mental hospital and the right to be heard at any hearing which a court considers such a request;
• To be notified of the referral of an offender to community corrections and to provide a written victim impact statement to the community corrections board and, if permitted by the board, to provide an oral victim impact statement. In addition, a victim has a right to provide a separate oral statement to the community corrections board if the board is considering a transitional referral from the department of corrections;
• To be heard by phone or similar technology by the community corrections board when the victim is otherwise unavailable;
• Upon written request, to be informed when a person accused or convicted of a crime is released from custody other than the county jail, is paroled, escapes or absconds from probation or parole;
• Upon written request, to be informed of the results of a probation or parole revocation hearing;
• The right to be informed of the filing of a petition to cease sex offender registration;
• Upon request, to be informed when a person who is accused or convicted of a crime is released, discharged, or permanently transferred from the custody of the county jail;
• Upon written request, to be informed of and heard at any proceeding at which any post-conviction release from confinement in a secure state correctional facility is being considered;
• Upon written request, to be informed when a person convicted of a crime against the victim is placed in or transferred to a less secure correctional facility, program, or placed on non-residential status, or is permanently or conditionally transferred or released from any state hospital;
• The right, at the discretion of the district attorney, to view all or a portion of the presentence report of the probation department;
• To be notified of a hearing concerning a petition for sealing of records;
• To be informed of the governor’s decision to commute or pardon a person before such information is publicly disclosed;
• To be informed of the results of any court-ordered HIV testing;
• To be informed of any rights which the victim has pursuant to the Constitution of the United States or the State of Colorado; and
• To be informed of the process for enforcing compliance with the Victim Rights Act.

Additional rights and services are provided to child victims of crime. Law enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges are encouraged to designate one or more individuals to try to ensure that the child and his/her family understand the legal proceedings and have support and assistance to deal with the emotional impact of the crime and the subsequent criminal proceedings.

24-4.1.302(1)(cc.6) Failure to stop at the scene of a CRASH, in violation of section 42-4-1601, where the CRASH resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.

24-4.1-302(1)(II) SOLICITING FOR COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD, in violation of section 18-7-4.2 procurement of a child for sexual exploitation, in violation of section 18-6-404; pimping of a child, in violation of section 18-7-405 INDUCEMENT OF COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD, in violation of section 18-7-405.5; ENGAGING IN COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD, in violation of sections 18-7-406; SOLICITING FOR CHILD PROSTITUTION, IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 18-7-102 AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2026; INDUCEMENT OF CHILD PROSTITUTION, IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 18-7-405.5, AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2026; OR PATRONIZING A PROSTITUTED CHILD, IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 18-7-406, AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2026;

24-4.1-302(2)(e.5) Any subpoena or application for records concerning the victim’s medical history, mental health, OR education; victim’s compensation RECORDS or records that are privileged pursuant to section 13-90-107

24-4.1-302(2)(aa) RECEIPT BY A DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF A NOTICE THAT A CRIME LABORATORY EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN A WRONGFUL ACTION, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 16-12-307 (1);

(bb) AN EVIDENTIARY HEARING ON POST-CONVICTION PETITION FOR RELIEF HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 16-12-312; AND

(cc) A RESTITUTION ASSESSMENT HEARING HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-1.3-603.

24-4.1-302(3) "Lawful representative" means AN INDIVIDUAL who is designated by the victim or appointed by the court to act in the best interests of the victim; EXCEPT THAT IF THE VICTIM IS A CHILD OR AN AT-RISK ADULT, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 18-6.5-102, "LAWFUL REPRESENTATIVE" DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DEFENDANT OR ALLEGED OFFENDER IN THE UNDERLYING CASE.

24-4.1-302.5(1)(a.5) THE RIGHT TO REQUEST, IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OR PRIVACY OF A VICTIM, TO HAVE THE VICTIM REFERRED TO BY AN ABBREVIATION, PSEUDONYM, INITIALS, OR ANOTHER PREFERRED NAME DURING HEARINGS;

(applies to District Attorney’s Office’s)

24-4.1-302.5(1)(j.8) The right to obtain any incident recordings as described in section 24-31-902. 24-31-902 Incident recordings – release -tampering – fine

24-4.1-302(2)(q.1) A TRIAL FOR CIVIL COMMITMENT OR ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 16-8.5-118;

(q.2) A HEARING TO TERMINATE A CIVIL COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-65-202 OR AN ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 25.5-10-508;

(q.3) THE TRANSFER, RELEASE, OR ESCAPE OF A PERSON OR THE PLACEMENT OF A PERSON INTO A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING OUTSIDE OF INPATIENT CARE AT THE DISCRETION OF CDHS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 16-8.5-101, WHEN THE PERSON IS UNDER A CIVIL COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-65-201 OR AN ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT UNDER COURT SUPERVISION PURSUANT TO SECTION 25.5-10-507 WHEN THE CRIMINAL CASE INITIATING THE CIVIL COMMITMENT OR ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT INVOLVED A VICTIM.

24-4.1-302(2)(j.6) THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF ANY REQUEST FOR CHANGES TO MATERIAL TERMS OF A CIVIL COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-65-201 OR ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 25 .5-10-507 ON BEHALF OF A PERSON IN A CIVIL COMMITMENT OR PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT IN A CRIMINAL CASE INVOLVING THE VICTIM, AND THE RIGHT TO BE PRESENT BY APPEARING IN PERSON, BY PHONE, OR VIRTUALLY BY VIDEO OR AUDIO, OR SIMILAR TECHNOLOGY, AND HEARD AT ANY HEARING DURING WHICH A COURT CONSIDERS THE REQUEST. AS USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (l)G.6), "REQUEST FOR CHANGES TO MATERIAL TERMS" INCLUDES ANY REQUEST TO BE RELEASED FROM AN INPATIENT SETTING TO AN OUTPATIENT SETTING OR TO BE MOVED INTO A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING OUTSIDE OF INPATIENT CARE AT THE DISCRETION OF CDHS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 16-8.5-101.

(Applies to District Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s)

24-4.1-303 (10)(IV) Upon request of the victim, the law enforcement agency shall provide the victim in a cold case information concerning any change in the status of the case. In addition, the law enforcement shall provide an update at least annually to the victim concerning the status of a cold case involving one or more crimes for which the criminal statute of limitation is longer than three years. 

24-4.1-302.5(1)(b.8) Upon request of a victim who has had forensic medical evidence collected that has not resulted in a conviction or plea of guilty, the victim has the right to be notified by the law enforcement agency of the status and location of the victim’s forensic medical evidence. 

24-31.902 (2)(b)(I) Upon request of the victim’s designee, all video and audio recordings of a death must be provided to the victim’s designee at least 72 hours prior to public disclosure. 

Forensic Medical Evidence – Sexual assault victims are provided forensic medical exams without any out-of-pocket expenses for services. For “OPT IN” notifications regarding forensic medical evidence, contact the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the case.  Notifications include: location of evidence, testing, results of DNA, DNA matches and destruction of evidence collected. The right to file, prior to expiration of the 60 day period, an objection with the LE agency, CBI or accredited crime lab that is proposing to destroy forensic medical evidence. Case status and the right to receive a physical document identifying rights under the law after an exam has been completed.

If the victim is deceased or incapacitated, these rights are guaranteed to the victim’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, significant other, legal guardian, or lawful representative. 

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Colorado’s state constitutional amendment for victims’ rights requires that all victims of violent crimes be notified of the “critical stages” of the criminal justice process as related to their cases. These stages include but are not limited to:

• Filing of Charges
• Decision not to file charges
• Preliminary Hearing
• Bond Reduction or Modification Hearing
• Arraignment
• Hearing on Motions
• Disposition of the complaint or charges
• Trial
• Sentencing Hearing
• Appellate Review/Decisions
• Subsequent Modification of Sentence
• Any subpoena for records concerning victim’s medical history, mental health, education, or victim’s compensation records
• A hearing regarding the loss or destruction of biological evidence
• The defendant’s request to modify the no contact provision of the mandatory criminal protection order
• Post-conviction DNA testing
• Full Parole Board Hearing
• Filing of any petition or motion to legally possess, use, or carry a firearm or other weapon pursuant to section
  § 18-12-108 (3)(b)
• Resentencing following a probation revocation hearing and request for early termination of probation

The investigating law enforcement agency is responsible for telling you whether a suspect has been taken into custody. Please note, the agency does not have to share that information with you if it would hurt the investigation.

If the offender is arrested and taken into custody at the Criminal Justice Center (CJC), the CJC personnel will call to inform you of the arrest. If you have questions regarding the custody status of the offender, you can contact the CJC Intake and

Release Department at (719) 390-2151.

If the offender is a juvenile (under the age of 18), Zebulon Pike Youth Services will notify you of the offender’s arrest and release. If you have questions regarding the custody status of a juvenile offender, you can contact Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center at 719-385-3370 .

If your case remains unsolved for over one year and the statute of limitations has not expired, law enforcement will inform you about changes in the status of your case if they occur. If your case has a statute of limitations longer than three years, you will receive annual updates from law enforcement about the status of your case.

If the District Attorney’s Office makes a decision not to file charges in your case, they will inform you of that decision. There are some cases where that decision is made by law enforcement and if that is the case, the law enforcement agency will inform you of the decision not to file charges.
 

• Discharge of an offender from custody other than the county jail, a parole or probation revocation hearing, parole hearing and/or is paroled, escapes, or absconds from probation or parole, transfers to a non-secured facility, or transition from residential to
• non-residential setting;
• Referral of an offender to community corrections and to provide a written victim impact statement, an oral victim impact statement, or both included with the referral;
• A petition by a sex offender to terminate sex offender registration;
• The execution of an offender in a capital case;
• Attack on judgment or conviction of the offender for which a court hearing is set;
• Upon written request, probation changes, such as a request for early release, transfer of probation to another jurisdiction, warrant filed by probation department, and the death of a person under the jurisdiction of probation.
  

Colorado law prohibits a person from harassing, intimidating, bribing, tampering with or retaliating against a victim or a witness with the intention of influencing or coercing the victim or witness to withhold testimony, testify falsely, or avoid the legal process altogether. In some instances, these legal protections can also apply to a member of the victim’s or witness’s family, a person in close relationship with the victim or witness, as well as a person residing in the same household as the victim or witness. Examples of prohibited conduct include threats of physical harm, causing physical harm or injury, damage to property.

If you believe someone has violated the law in connection with the case in which you are a victim or witness, please contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000. If you feel you are in imminent danger, call 911. In addition, you can contact the CSPD Victim Advocacy Unit (719) 444-7777 for information on how to obtain a protection order.

If you have tried to resolve the issues locally and it has not worked for you, you may request assistance from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice at (303) 239-4497 and speak to the Victim Rights Act Specialist. You can also learn more from visiting their website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj/victim-rights.

Victims of crime often need financial assistance as a result of what happened to them. Financial help for costs related to medical expenses, lost employment, mental health treatment, burial expenses, the loss of medically necessary devices, such as eyeglasses or hearing aids, the loss of support to dependents, and damage to home security devices, such as doors, windows, and locks can be applied for through the Crime Victim Compensation Fund.

Victims may be compensated for compensable losses up to $30,000.00. Money is paid into this fund through fines against persons convicted of crimes. Compensation does NOT cover loss of money or any personal property, damaged or stolen vehicles, or pain and suffering.

For information on how to apply for Victim Compensation, you can contact the CSPD Victim Advocacy Unit at (719) 444-7777 or the 4th Judicial District Crime Victim Compensation Board at (719) 520-6000 or www.da4colorado.gov. 

Support for the victim and the victim’s family is available through the CSPD Victim Advocacy Unit (719) 444-7777. A victim advocate can assist you with any questions about your rights and the investigation process.

As a victim of a VRA crime, victim advocates may be able to assist with the following services:

• Immediate crisis intervention and follow-up support.
• Referrals to public and private individuals and organizations providing:
  - Services for juveniles, elderly, and disabled victims
  - Medical, mental health, and social services
  - Financial assistance
  - Information on protection orders and other legal services
  - Other support services

• Referrals for transportation and household assistance to promote participation in the criminal proceedings.
• Referrals for childcare to assist in your participation with the criminal prosecution.
• • Interpretation services in your first language.
• At the discretion of law enforcement, assistance in receiving a free copy of the initial police report.
• • Information regarding the procedure for U Visa certification requests.
  

What is the U Visa?

Through the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (VTVPA) of 2000, Congress created the U Visa (U nonimmigrant classification) to provide legal status to victims of specified crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal act. The U Visa provides eligible

crime victims with nonimmigrant status the ability to temporarily remain in the United States while assisting law enforcement.

Who is eligible for a U Visa?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may find an applicant eligible for a U Visa if the applicant:

• IIs the direct or indirect victim of qualifying criminal activity;
• Has suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity;
• Has been helpful, is helpful, or is likely to be helpful to a Federal, State, or local prosecutor, to a Federal or State judge, to USCIS, or to other Federal, State, or local authorities investigating or prosecuting criminal activity; and
• The criminal activity violated the laws of the United States or occurred in the U.S. or the territories and possessions of the United States.

For more information on the U Visa, please visit www.uscis.gov. If you are an individual with nonimmigrant status and a victim of a qualifying criminal activity that is investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department, you or your representative can mail a completed I-918 Supplement B form to the CSPD Victim Advocacy Unit, 705 S. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or email the form to CSPD-U-Visa.smb@coloradosprings.gov.