NCJ Number
253190
Date Published
2019
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This Post-Conviction Resource Guide is an overview of key terms and the general flow of cases post-conviction (all processes until a convicted offender has completed the court's sentence) in order to inform the general public, crime victims, and those who serve crime victims about victims rights throughout various post-conviction processes.
Abstract
One resource lists and explains legal terms and procedures that pertain to potential post-conviction legal procedures. Another resource provided is a collection of figures that illustrate a victim's rights at various stages of case processing that involve the convicted offenders sentencing, probation, and custody. A third resource focuses on a victim's rights under various post-conviction legal proceedings. Some examples are challenge to a conviction through direct appeals, post-conviction relief, and habeas corpus review; failure to make restitution payments; and release into the community either with or without supervision. Victims are advised that during post-conviction procedures, they may interact with multiple agencies that could include jails, departments of corrections, parole boards, and corrections agencies that may be involved in control of an offender at various post-conviction periods. Some victim rights discussed in these contexts involve information, notification, protection, restitution, privacy, and the rights to be present and to be heard. Under the assumption that this resource material may be included in a verbal presentation to a group, suggestions are offered for delivering an effective presentation. In addition, the resources include sample training activities and communication guidelines in the context of traditional media communications and digital media.