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Victim Advocates

The City Solicitor’s Office provides victim advocates in its Prosecution Division. The victim advocate serves as a liaison to the victim(s) in cases being prosecuted by City prosecutors. A victim advocate provides information and notification of court proceedings, facilitates communication with prosecutors, and offers advocacy, support and referrals to victims to reduce the stress, fear, alienation, and confusion victims sometimes experience as they navigate through the criminal justice system. To contact to a victim advocate, please call the Prosecution Division at (513) 352-5333.

Victim Advocacy Pamphlet

 

UNDER OHIO LAW, AS A VICTIM YOU HAVE THE RIGHT:

  • To be treated fairly and with respect for your safety, dignity, and privacy.
  • To be present and to be heard in any public proceeding that implicates your rights, including proceedings for release, plea, and sentencing.
  • To reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on his/her behalf.
  • To refuse an interview, deposition, or other discovery request made by the accused or someone acting on his/her behalf, except as otherwise provided in the Ohio Constitution.
  • To full and timely restitution from the defendant if he/she is convicted.
  • To proceedings free from unreasonable delay and a prompt conclusion of the case.
  • To be informed, in writing, of all your rights as a victim.
  • To confer with the prosecutor upon your request.
  • To assert your rights or to have your lawful representative do so, or to request that the prosecutor do so.
  • To petition the Court of Appeals or to have your lawful representative do so if the relief you seek is denied.

 

PLEASE CALL A VICTIM’S ADVOCATE IN THE PROSECUTION DIVISION OF THE CITY SOLICITOR’ OFFICE AT (513) 352-5333 TO BE NOTIFIED ABOUT:

  • All public proceedings involving the criminal offense(s) in this case.
  • A motion to dismiss the case.
  • A motion to keep your personal identifying information confidential.
  • A motion to return your property.
  • A substantial delay in the case.
  • Whether the defendant is acquitted or convicted of the charge(s).
  • If defendant is convicted: What crime(s) the defendant was convicted of; your right to make a victim impact statement (VIS); the address and phone # of the department doing the VIS, which will be included in a report that the defendant may see unless the court orders otherwise; the date, time, and place of the sentencing hearing; the sentence imposed; and any sentence modifications (including those resulting from appeal).
  • If defendant appeals: An explanation of the appellate process; whether defendant has been released on bail; the time, place, and location of appellate proceedings; and the result of the appeal.
  • If the defendant is incarcerated: The likely release date, the name and address of the institution where defendant is being held, and notice that the defendant has been released or has escaped.
  • That employers cannot punish you, a family member, or your representative for participating in preparing the case or attending court proceedings.