Steps For Victims After A Crime Is Committed

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Step 1: Crime is Committed

Definitions of Crime:

An action or omission in violation of law where the consequence of conviction by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is a serious one such as imprisonment.
Unlawful activity: statistics relating to violent crime.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2014:
  - 20.7 million people were victimized by violent or property crime.
  - 1.3 million people were injured as a result of a violent crime.
  - 68% of victims of serious violence experienced socio-emotional problems as a result of their victimization.
A serious offense, especially one in violation of morality.

What makes someone a victim of crime?

A person is a victim of crime if they’re physically injured or suffer emotional problems, loss or damage because of a crime.

This includes:

grief
distress
trauma

This does not just include the person directly affected by the crime (primary victim). Other people can be secondary victims of crime, including: people who witness the crime and family members/friends of the person directly affected.

Impacts of Crime

Not all victims have the same reaction or needs to a crime, which makes it important to remember that every crime victim is unique. A person’s response can vary depending on the following things:

The person’s life before the crime occurred.
The crime itself.
Their perceived experience with law enforcement and justice professionals.
The person’s level of resiliency.
The degree of social support they receive or don’t receive.
The outcome of any criminal case.

Step 2: Crime is Reported/Witnessed

Victim resources are available to not only those who were the direct victim(s) of a crime, but also to indirect victim(s) such as loved ones of the direct victim(s), witness/bystanders, etc.

To report a crime, direct or indirect victims can:
- For emergencies: call 911
- For non-emergencies:
  - The 105 non-emergency number is for things that have already happened and don’t need urgent police assistance.
  - Call local police department.

If a victim wants to report crime anonymously, they can do so through:

Step 3: Incident is Recorded/noted by the Police Department

Victims are not super involved in this step, but it is still important for victims to understand where the information they provide is going.

Michigan uses a uniform reporting system statewide called Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR) with specific codes and required information for reporting incidents, including the location of the incident, information about the victim(s), and whether the crime was motivated by the offenders’ biases.

Please see the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting Process below:

Step 4: Police Department Gathers Information From Victims and Witnesses

Victims have the right to be involved in the case, including the investigation.

Additionally, they have the right to ask for updates.

Step 5: A Suspect (if known) is brought in for Questioning OR an Arrest is Made

Victims have the right to timely disposition of the case following arrest of the accused.
Victims are entitled to protection from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
- Bond hearings often occur very soon after an arrest. The judge involved should consider the safety issues involved with a crime when making this decision. Victims may talk to the prosecutor or the victim advocate in the prosecutor’s office about the victim’s safety concerns before a bond hearing occurs.

Step 6: An Investigation is Launched by the Police Department

Victims have the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity throughout all steps of the criminal justice process.
Victims have a right to privacy during criminal justice proceedings.
- this can include protecting identify information about a victim such as their address, place of employment, or medical records. If a victim feels comfortable sharing this information, it still should not be part of the court file or any public court document.

Step 7: Suspect is Formally Charged for Criminal Action

Step 8: Initial Hearing/Arraignment- bail is set and charges are pressed

The victim may be present during bail hearing.

Victims have a right to make impact statements during each crucial step in the criminal proceedings.

Step 9: Plea Bargaining

Step 10: Preliminary Hearings

Victims can give testimony during the preliminary examination.

If the victim does not show up for the preliminary exam, the defense can get a dismissal.

Step 11: Trial

Victims have the right to be informed of all court proceedings
Often times a victim may be called as a witness in trial or called to give testimony about the case
Michigan.gov department of the attorney general website provides tips, explanations, and expectations for appearing as a witness in court. Also provides general information of rights and resources available for multiple.
The victim has a right to request to confer with the prosecutor before trial, a plea deal, or dismissal of a case.

Step 12: Sentencing

If being released, the Sheriff’s Office in custody can be contacted. A Compilation of Sheriff’s Offices can be found here.

Step 13: After Sentencing

Restitution/Compensation

There is not much for Victims after sentencing, although victims can receive restitution or compensation, depending on the circumstances.

If a crime results in damage to or loss or destruction of property of a victim of the crime or any injury, the order of restitution shall require that the defendant:
- Return the property to the owner or the amount of money worth the property.
- If there is bodily injury or harm the court may order up to 3 times the amount of restitution.

Parole Notifications:

Michigan Victim Information Notification Everyday (MI-VINE)
- Statewide program CVS participates with to provide telephone notification to those registered. Telephone notifications will be made in the event of an escape, dis-charge by court order or release on bond, as well as on paroles and discharge of prisoners.