(1) The Legislature finds that in order to ensure that crime victims can effectively understand and exercise their rights under s. 16, Art. I of the State Constitution, and to promote law enforcement that considers the interests of crime victims, victims must be properly advised in the courts of this state.
(2) The courts may fulfill their obligation to advise crime victims by:
(a) Making the following announcement at any arraignment, sentencing, or case-management proceeding:
“If you are the victim of a crime with a case pending before this court, you are advised that you have the right, upon request:
1. To be informed.
2. To be present.
3. To be heard at all stages of criminal proceedings.
4. To receive advance notification, when possible, of judicial proceedings and notification of scheduling changes, pursuant to section 960.001, Florida Statutes.
5. To seek crimes compensation and restitution.
6. To consult with the state attorney’s office in certain felony cases regarding the disposition of the case.
7. To make an oral or written victim impact statement at the time of sentencing of a defendant.
For further information regarding additional rights afforded to victims of crime, you may contact the state attorney’s office or obtain a listing of your rights from the Clerk of Court.”
; or
(b) Displaying prominently on the courtroom doors posters giving notification of the existence and general provisions of this chapter. The Department of Legal Affairs shall provide the courts with the posters specified by this paragraph.
(3) The circuit court administrator shall coordinate efforts to ensure that victim rights information, as established in s. 960.001(1)(o), is provided to the clerk of the court.
(4) This section is only for the benefit of crime victims. Accordingly, a failure to comply with this section shall not affect the validity of any hearing, conviction, or sentence.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2002-56; s. 2, ch. 2022-106.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XLVII - Criminal Procedure and Corrections
Chapter 960 - Victim Assistance
960.0015 - Victim’s Right to a Speedy Trial; Speedy Trial Demand by the State Attorney.
960.0021 - Legislative Intent; Advisement to Victims.
960.02 - Declaration of Policy and Legislative Intent.
960.03 - Definitions; Ss. 960.01-960.28.
960.045 - Department of Legal Affairs; Powers and Duties.
960.05 - Crime Victims’ Services Office.
960.065 - Eligibility for Awards.
960.07 - Filing of Claims for Compensation.
960.09 - Determination of Claims.
960.14 - Manner of Payment; Execution or Attachment.
960.17 - Award Constitutes Debt Owed to State.
960.194 - Emergency Responder Death Benefits.
960.195 - Awards to Elderly Persons or Disabled Adults for Property Loss.
960.196 - Relocation Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking.
960.197 - Assistance to Victims of Online Sexual Exploitation and Child Pornography.
960.198 - Relocation Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence.
960.199 - Relocation Assistance for Victims of Sexual Battery.
960.21 - Crimes Compensation Trust Fund.
960.22 - Application for Federal Funds.
960.23 - Notice of Provisions of This Chapter.
960.28 - Payment for Victims’ Initial Forensic Physical Examinations.
960.29 - Legislative Findings and Intent.
960.292 - Enforcement of the Civil Restitution Lien Through Civil Restitution Lien Order.
960.293 - Determination of Damages and Losses.
960.294 - Effect of Civil Restitution Liens.
960.295 - Civil Restitution Lien Supplemental to Other Forms of Restitution Available to Lienholder.
960.296 - Construction and Severability.
960.297 - Authorization for Governmental Right of Restitution for Costs of Incarceration.