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The Victim Rights Act (VRA) in Colorado ensures that crime victims are treated with fairness, respect, dignity and that they are free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse. The VRA also helps to ensure that victims are informed of critical stages of the criminal justice process and that they may be present for, and heard, at certain stages as well.
Victims of crime and/or their advocates can contact the VRA Compliance Program to request help or File a Formal Complaint concerning an alleged violation of their rights. We also provide Information For Agencies to help them understand and comply with the Victim Rights Act.
Colorado voters amended the state Constitution to include Victim Rights in 1992. The Victim Rights Amendment states:Any person who is a victim of a criminal act or such person’s designee, legal guardian, or surviving immediate family members if such person is deceased, shall have the right to be heard when relevant, informed and present at all critical stages of the criminal justice process. All terminology, including the term “critical stages” shall be defined by the general assembly (Article II, Section l6A Colorado State Constitution).
Colorado law guarantees certain rights for victims. View Crimes that fall under the Victim Rights Act (PDF) for a full listing of these rights. The statutes also outline the responsibilities of criminal justice agencies and provide a way for victims to file a claim if they believe an agency has failed to uphold their victim rights. Read more about victim rights act in Colorado in the Colorado Crime Victim Rights Brochure (PDF - additional versions below):
You can read the full statutes below:
If you are a victim of a crime covered by the Colorado Crime Victim Rights Act, you are entitled to some core rights:
View the Victim Rights Brochure (PDF) for a full list of rights. Note that additional rights and services are provided to child victims of crime.
File a Victim Rights Act Complaint
Information for Agencies
List of District Attorney Victim Witness Directors (PDF)
Webinar: The Victim Rights Act for DA's
Webinar: The Victim Rights Act for Law Enforcement
Webinar: The Victim Rights Act for General Audiences