Victim Rights & Resource

READ THIS FIRST

If you are the victim of any one of the crimes listed on the inside panel, your right to be informed and to participate in all critical stages of the criminal justice process related to that crime is guaranteed by the Colorado Constitution.

This page is designed to help you exercise those rights. Your local advocate or law enforcement agency can answer your questions.

Victim Responsibilities

Keeping appropriate criminal justice authorities informed of your current name address and phone number. Contact authorities immediately to keep them updated on any new information regarding your case.

Tap a down arrow to access important information.

Crimes Covered

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

Murder - 1st and 2nd Degree;
Manslaughter;
Criminally negligent homicide and vehicular homicide;
Crime of careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury;
Assault, vehicular assault;
Menacing;
Kidnapping;
Sexual Assault on an adult or child;
Robbery;
First degree burglary;
Incest and aggravated incest;
Child abuse;
Sexual exploitation of children;
Crimes against at-risk adults or at-risk juveniles;
Indecent exposure or invasion of privacy for sexual gratification;
Violation of criminal protection order issued against a person charged with sexual assault or stalking;
Crimes identified by law enforcement as domestic violence;
Careless driving that results in the death of another person;
Failure to stop at the scene of an accident that results in SBI or death of another person;
Stalking;
Bias motivated crimes;
Human Trafficking in adults or children;
Retaliation against a judge, juror; or prosecutor
Retaliation against a victim or witness;
Tampering with a victim or witness;
Intimidating and aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim; and
Any criminal attempt, conspiracy, criminal solicitation, or accessory involving any of the crimes specified.
Unlawful sexual contact;
Child prostitution;
Posting a private image for harassment or pecuniary gain;
Harassment of a transit worker.

Your Rights As A Crime Victim

Victims of the crimes listed have the right to:

• Be treated with fairness, respect and dignity

• Be informed of and present for all ”critical stages” of the criminal justice process

• Be informed about what steps can be taken and protections can be afforded if he/she is subjected to any intimidation or harassment

• Notification of any change in the status of the accused including release or discharge from the county jail

• Information on charges filed

• Information on charges not filed in misdemeanor cases

• Have SSN redacted from criminal justice documents if released to the public.

• Assurance of swift and fair resolution of the proceedings

• Consult with the District Attorney prior to any disposition of the case or before a case goes to trial and be informed of the final disposition of the case

• Be informed of the status of the case and any scheduling changes or cancellations

• Prepare a Victim Impact Statement and to be present and/or heard at sentencing

• Restitution and to be informed of the right to pursue a civil | judgment

• Prompt return of the victim’s property when no longer needed as evidence

• Information on the of the availability of financial assistance and community services

• Appropriate employer intercession services regarding court appearances and meetings with criminal justice officials

• Whenever practicable, to have a safe, secure waiting area

• Be informed of the results of any court-ordered HIV testing

• Be informed of any post-conviction proceedings related to DNA issues

• Inform victims of cold cases of any change in status of the case

• Victims of cold cases will be updated yearly on the status of the case.

• To be informed of any rights which the victim has pursuant to the Constitution of the United States or the State of Colorado

• Request a copy of the law enforcement report and other documents related to the case, including the right to receive a free copy of the initial incident report. The release of any such documents associated with the investigation is at the discretion of the law enforcement agency based on the status of the case.

• If a victim or a victim’s designee is unavailable to be present for the critical stages described in paragraph (d) of this subsection (I) and the victim or the victim’s designee wishes to address the court, the right to request that the court, within the court’s resources, arrange and provide the means for the victim or the victim’s designee to provide input to the court beyond a written victim impact statement.

• Be informed of the existence of a criminal protection order under section 18-1-1001, C.R.S. or section 19-2-707, C.R.S., and upon request of the victim, information about provisions that may be added or modified, and the process for requesting such an addition or modification.

• Disclosure by agent of defense-initiated victim outreach.

• Be notified if there is a petition for sealing of records

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.

For further information regarding your rights go to: www.dcj.state.co.us/ovp/

If the victim is deceased or incapacitated, the victim’s immediate family may exercise these rights.

As a victim of the crimes listed, you may be entitled to services:

• Immediate crisis intervention and follow-up support

• Special services for juvenile, elderly, or victims with disabilities

• Referral to public and private individuals and organizations.

• You may qualify for financial assistance.

23rd Judicial District Victim Compensation
4000 Justice Way, Suite 2525A
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Phone: 720-733-4580
Fax: 720-733-4672
Email: DAVICTIMCOMP@CODA23.GOV

VINE - Victim Notification

Upon release of the offender from the LCSO detentions center, the correctional facility will notify you by phone.

TO REGISTER FOR THE VINE SYSTEM

The adult offender must be in custody to register.

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)

How do I register?

online at: colorado-vine.com or

email: vine@globalnotifications.com

VINE will monitor the custody status of adult offenders in the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Information is available to callers 24 hours/day. VINE will also let you register for phone, text or email where you can be notified of the following:

This automatic notification option is only available if the offender is incarcerated. You must report any changes in contact information to the detention center.

YOU MUST RE-ENROLL IN THE NOTIFICATION PROGRAM EACH TIME THE DEFENDANT IS INCARCERATED EVEN IF YOU HAD BEEN ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM RELATED TO A PRIOR ARREST.

Upon request of the victim, correctional officials will keep confidential the victim’s or family’s addresses, phone numbers, places of employment, or other personal information.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact law enforcement.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Main number: 719-743-2426

Limon Police Department

Main Number: 719-775-9211

Hugo Marshal’s Office

Main Number: 719-743-2485

Victim Assistance: 719-743-2889 or

If you have questions concerning the prosecution or court status of your case, contact the Victim/Witness Unit in the District Attorney’s Office:

Lincoln County District Attorney

103 3rd Ave

P.O. Box 307

Hugo CO, 80821

719-743-2223

If all local efforts to obtain your rights have failed, you may request assistance from the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board.

Please contact:

Division of Criminal Justice

Office for Victims’ Programs

700 Kipling Street Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80215

303-239-5719 phone

303-239-5743 fax

Outside metro area 1-888-282-1080

www.dcj.state.co.us/ovp/

Victim Assistance Programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age in the delivery of services.

For information on filing a civil rights complaint see the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Civil Rights: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/about/offices/ocr

Law Enforcement Victim Advocates are mandated reporters to law enforcement Deputies.

Crime Victim Compensation

23rd Judicial District serving Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert & Lincoln Counties

For years victims have been neglected by the criminal justice system, which focused on defendants rather than on those who are hurt and injured. We have been striving to correct this by providing support and restitution for victims of crime in the 23rd Judicial District.

If you or a loved one has been victimized by a violent crime, the Victim Compensation Program may be able to help. While no amount of money can ease the trauma of violent crime, Victim Compensation can help relieve the resulting financial burden on victims and their families.

If you desire such help, please contact the Victim Compensation Unit of the District Attorney's Office at 720-733-4580 or DAVICTIMCOMP@CODA23.GOV

Recognizing the impact of crime on innocent victims, the State of Colorado has enacted the Crime Victim Compensation Act. Funds are collected as fines from juveniles and adults who have been convicted of crimes. Awards to victims are made by the Crime Victim Compensation Board of the District, whose three members are volunteer citizens appointed by the District Attorney.

Who Qualifies for Victim Compensation?

You may be eligible to receive crime victim compensation if:

You or your family are victims of a violent crime in Colorado, or
You or your family are residents of Colorado who have been victimized in a state or country that does not have a victim compensation program or will not cover your loss.
Persons who are authorized to act on behalf of a crime victim

To be eligible for victim compensation in Colorado, you must meet certain criteria from the Crime Victim Compensation Statute:

Law enforcement officials must be notified of the crime within 72 hours.
Victim must cooperate fully with law en forcement officials In the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrator. There does NOT have to be an arrest or conviction to pay compensation.
Application must be made within one year of the offense.
The injury cannot result from the victim's own wrongdoing.
Health insurance, car insurance or home owner's insurance must be used, where applicable.

The local victim compensation board may waive some of these requirements for good cause or in the interest of justice. This includes application deadlines.

What Losses Are Eligible for Victim Compensation?

Losses directly related to the compensable crime are eligible for reimbursement, and may include:

Medical and hospital expenses
Mental Health counseling
Replacement or repair of dentures, hearing aids, eyeglasses and other medically necessary devices.
Funeral/Burial expenses (Cemetery and Mortuary)
Loss of Earnings - not covered by sick time, vacation time or PTO
Loss of Support to Dependents
Replacement of exterior doors, locks or windows on residential buildings damaged during the commission of a crime.
Rekeying of car locks

Victim Compensation cannot consider claims for:

Repair of Motor Vehicles
Property Loss and/or Damage
Rent and other personal bills
Moving Expenses
Loss of cash
Pain and Suffering
Dog Bites
Security Systems or monitoring

Financial Limitations

Some financial limitations DO exist. Please contact Victim Compensation for further details.

To Request and Application or Get More Information Regarding Victim Compensation, please contact our office:

By Phone: 720-733-4580

By Email: DAVICTIMCOMP@CODA23.GOV

Web: https://coda23.gov/victim-compensation

Forensic Medical Evidence

RIGHTS AFFORDED TO VICTIMS

V I C T I M S W H O H A V E H A D

F O R E N S I C M E D I C A L

E V I D E N C E C O L L E C T E D

RIGHT TO BE NOTIFIED

(LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTING)

For a victim who has had forensic medical evidence collected pursuant to section 12-240-139(1)(b) of the Colorado Revised Statute that has not resulted in a conviction or plea of guilty, a victim has a right to be notified by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the case, upon a victim's request, of that status and location of a victim's forensic medical evidence, including:

The right to be notified that the forensic medical evidence has been submitted to an accredited crime lab for testing.
The right to be notified when the law enforcement agency has received the results of the medical forensic evidence DNA analysis from the accredited crime lab.
The right to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and whether or not there are matches to DNA profiles in state or federal databases.
The right to be informed at least 60 days prior to the destruction of forensic medical evidence collected in connection with the alleged sex offense.
The right to file, prior to the expiration of the 60 day period, an objection with the law enforcement agency, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or the accredited crime lab that is proposing to destroy the forensic medical evidence.
The right to be informed of any change in status of the case, including if the case has been closed or reopened.
The right to receive a physical document identifying the rights under the law after the exam has been completed.

Colorado Reporting Options

Colorado offers three reporting options for adult survivors of sexual assaults ages 18 to 69. Please note, due to other mandatory reporting obligations, these reporting options do not apply to minors or at-risk adults.

1. Law Enforcement Report

A victim reports the sexual assault to law enforcement and engages in the criminal justice system. Under this option, the sexual assault evidence collection kit will be sent for DNA testing at a crime lab within 21 days of when police obtain the kit from the medical facility. The testing process can take 4 to 6 months but must be completed within 180 days (6 months). Evidence collection kits are held by law enforcement for at least the statute of limitations.

2. Medical Report

A victim chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam, including evidence collection, but at that time chooses not to participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence and information are released to law enforcement with the victim's name an contact information. This option allows forensic evidence to be tested at an accredited crime lab within 21 days of its receipt by the law enforcement agency, unless a victim does not, or withdraws, consent to testing.

The testing process can take 4 to 6 months but must be completed within 180 days (6 months). Regardless of DNA testing, evidence collection kits are held by law enforcement for at least the statute of limitations. At any point after initially deciding not to report to law enforcement, a victim can change his/her mind an file a law enforcement report to start an investigation.

3. Anonymous Report

A victim chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam, but at that time chooses not to participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence and information are released to law enforcement without the victim's name and contact information. The medical facility will have a victim' contact information, but law enforcement will not. An anonymous reporting victim will not automatically have his/her evidence collection kit submitted for DNA testing at a crime lab. Instead, the evidence will be stored at the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the assault happened for at least the statute of limitations. The medical facility will provide the victim with a case number, which can be used to find the sexual assault evidence collection kit

if at any point after initially deciding not to report to law enforcement, a victim changes his/her mind and wants to work with law enforcement and start an investigation.

Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Facilities

The following hospitals have SANE/FNE programs who can provide medical care and conduct a medical forensic exam.

Children's Hospital 720-777-1234

Denver Health 303-436-6000

Lincoln Health 719-743-2421

UC Health: - Aurora 720-848-8400

UC Health - Highlands Ranch 720-516-1000

UC Health - Colorado Springs 719-365-5000

See "Community Resources" Tab for Law Enforcement and Advocacy Services contact information.