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Victim Rights & Representation

Crime victims have the right to be treated with dignity, informed about their case, and heard throughout the criminal justice process.

98%

Of victims report they do not know their rights.

26

Distinct barriers identified as impairing investigation and prosecution of assault cases.

I.32

Article and section of the Missouri Constitution that define crime victims' rights.

8

Distinct legal rights assured to crime victims by state law.

Understanding Victims’ Rights Under Missouri Law

Donelan Law provides advocacy for victims’ rights before and during criminal proceedings to help ensure each case is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

Article I, Section 32 of the Missouri Constitution ensures victims have the right to:

  • Be present at criminal justice proceedings where the defendant has that right
  • Be informed and heard at guilty pleas, bail hearings, sentencing, probation revocation hearings, and parole hearings
  • Be informed of trials and preliminary hearings
  • Seek restitution for losses related to the crime
  • Receive a speedy disposition and appellate review of the case
  • Obtain reasonable protection from the defendant or others acting on the defendant’s behalf
  • Be informed of the accused’s release, escape, recapture, or death while in custody
  • Receive information about the criminal justice system, victims’ rights, and available services

Additional protections are defined in Missouri Revised Statutes 595.209, which further establishes and clarifies victims’ rights under state law.

What does it mean to assert your rights as a crime victim?

Asserting your rights as a crime victim means ensuring you are informed about the progress of a criminal case and able to participate in important stages of the process. This may include attending hearings, being heard during sentencing, requesting restitution for losses, and receiving updates about the status of the accused.

Understanding these rights can help victims stay informed, participate meaningfully in the process, and ensure their voice is heard.

What rights do crime victims have in Missouri?

Missouri law guarantees crime victims the right to be treated with dignity and to be informed about the progress of a criminal case. Article I, Section 32 of the Missouri Constitution provides victims with several protections throughout the criminal justice process.

Crime victims have the right to:

  • Be present at criminal justice proceedings where the defendant has that right
  • Be informed and heard at guilty pleas, bail hearings, sentencing, probation revocation hearings, and parole hearings
  • Be informed of trials and preliminary hearings
  • Seek restitution for losses related to the crime
  • Receive a speedy disposition and appellate review of the case
  • Obtain reasonable protection from the defendant or others acting on the defendant’s behalf
  • Be informed of the accused’s release, escape, recapture, or death while in custody
  • Receive information about the criminal justice system, victims’ rights, and available services

Additional protections are defined in Missouri Revised Statutes §595.209, which further establishes and clarifies victims’ rights under state law.

Case-Specific Protections

Sexual Assault Survivor Rights

Missouri law also provides specific protections for survivors of sexual assault.

The Missouri Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights outlines rights that apply before, during, and after forensic examinations and investigative interviews, helping ensure survivors are informed, supported, and treated with dignity throughout the process. 

For example: under Missouri law a sexual assault survivor has the right to a sexual assault forensic examination and the right to consult with an employee or volunteer of a rape crisis center during the process.

Client Testimonials

I had an extremely positive experience working with Sarah and Erica at Donelan Law. They constantly stayed on top of my case and never let anything slip past them. I truly felt that they were invested in the case and my well-being throughout the process.

Avery L.

My experience at Donelan Law with Sarah was amazing. This was my first time pursuing charges in any way on my own. I was only 19-20, and Sarah and her coworkers walked me through every step with patience and kindness. They communicated with me as they went through the process, and kept me informed the whole time. Which was a huge comfort because I was so so nervous.

Not only were they professional, fast, along with strong communication, but they were also so friendly. I felt comfortable opening up to them which was really important in a case like mine.  It’s truly a place built on a foundation of cutthroat kindness, with people who want to work WITH you not just for you.

Again, I had an amazing experience with Donelan law, considering my situation things couldn’t have gone better. She won my case, prioritized my emotions, properly prepared me for court and taking the stand. As far as being a lawyer goes I genuinely cannot find one thing she needs to improve on. I would refer anyone to her and her team!

– Allyssa B.

I reached out to Donelan Law for help in navigating an extremely stressful and complicated issue involving my daughter. My daughter was the victim of a sexual assault and I did not know where to begin. Sarah walked us through every step of the process. She explained to us every step we would need to take and every possible outcome we could face, good or bad. She took her time with my daughter, always checking in, making sure she was okay throughout the process. Her advice was invaluable as we worked towards a resolution. I do not know where we would be today without her and everyone at the office. She truly cared about my daughter and our family. I simply cannot say enough good things about her. 

– L.W.

Highly recommend Sarah. She is down-to-earth yet professional. Handled our situation with class and was great to work with. Highly recommend.

– Mark H.

Sarah and her team are amazing. Sarah took the time to explain the legal process in ways that I could understand and always kept me up to date on everything that was happening. I was also able to contact her via call or text and she was always getting back to me very quickly. She knows these cases are very sensitive and personal and she takes great care in her approach to talking about everything. Sarah was able to get me a settlement from my childhood sexual abuser and we settled the case before trial. Without her help I would have been so lost. Thank you Sarah (and the rest of the team) for your help! You made the entire process as easy as possible for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

– C.F.

Donelan Law never let me down!  Sarah was a wealth of information and knowledge.  She put up with all my worries and frustrations.  She was definitely my voice of reason!  It took the better part of 2 yrs to settle the case, but Sarah was with me every step of the way. I cannot begin to express how thankful I was to have Sarah on my team!  Even though I hope I never encounter more legal issues, Sarah would be my 1st choice, hands down.  Many thanks for the tireless commitment for me and my case.

– Anonymous

I had an extremely positive experience working with Sarah and Erica at Donelan Law. They constantly stayed on top of my case and never let anything slip past them. I truly felt that they were invested in the case and my well-being throughout the process.

Avery L.

My experience at Donelan Law with Sarah was amazing. This was my first time pursuing charges in any way on my own. I was only 19-20, and Sarah and her coworkers walked me through every step with patience and kindness. They communicated with me as they went through the process, and kept me informed the whole time. Which was a huge comfort because I was so so nervous.

Not only were they professional, fast, along with strong communication, but they were also so friendly. I felt comfortable opening up to them which was really important in a case like mine.  It’s truly a place built on a foundation of cutthroat kindness, with people who want to work WITH you not just for you.

Again, I had an amazing experience with Donelan law, considering my situation things couldn’t have gone better. She won my case, prioritized my emotions, properly prepared me for court and taking the stand. As far as being a lawyer goes I genuinely cannot find one thing she needs to improve on. I would refer anyone to her and her team!

– Allyssa B.

I reached out to Donelan Law for help in navigating an extremely stressful and complicated issue involving my daughter. My daughter was the victim of a sexual assault and I did not know where to begin. Sarah walked us through every step of the process. She explained to us every step we would need to take and every possible outcome we could face, good or bad. She took her time with my daughter, always checking in, making sure she was okay throughout the process. Her advice was invaluable as we worked towards a resolution. I do not know where we would be today without her and everyone at the office. She truly cared about my daughter and our family. I simply cannot say enough good things about her. 

– L.W.

Highly recommend Sarah. She is down-to-earth yet professional. Handled our situation with class and was great to work with. Highly recommend.

– Mark H.

Sarah and her team are amazing. Sarah took the time to explain the legal process in ways that I could understand and always kept me up to date on everything that was happening. I was also able to contact her via call or text and she was always getting back to me very quickly. She knows these cases are very sensitive and personal and she takes great care in her approach to talking about everything. Sarah was able to get me a settlement from my childhood sexual abuser and we settled the case before trial. Without her help I would have been so lost. Thank you Sarah (and the rest of the team) for your help! You made the entire process as easy as possible for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

– C.F.

Donelan Law never let me down!  Sarah was a wealth of information and knowledge.  She put up with all my worries and frustrations.  She was definitely my voice of reason!  It took the better part of 2 yrs to settle the case, but Sarah was with me every step of the way. I cannot begin to express how thankful I was to have Sarah on my team!  Even though I hope I never encounter more legal issues, Sarah would be my 1st choice, hands down.  Many thanks for the tireless commitment for me and my case.

– Anonymous

Crime Victim Rights Advocacy & Results

25+

Orders of Protection
Assisted over 25 individuals in obtaining adult or child orders of protection, including obtaining monetary awards for attorney fees, counseling and housing.

50+

Individuals
Assisted with crime victim representation, providing important victim support and advocacy services during investigations and criminal proceedings.

What Sets Donelan Law Apart

If you have been the victim of a violent crime, Donelan Law can help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

As a former assistant prosecutor, Sarah understands how criminal cases progress and works to ensure victims are:

  • Heard and respected throughout the process
  • Clearly informed about their rights and case status
  • Supported in meaningful participation in the pursuit of justice

The goal is to help victims understand their rights and move through the criminal process with clarity and confidence.

Discuss Your Options

Frequently asked questions and answers

There are many differences between criminal and civil cases:

1) Who decides to pursue charges.
In criminal cases, the State of Missouri or the federal government decides whether to pursue charges against a person when they have committed a crime. 

In a civil action, the victim or their legal representative chooses to pursue legal action against the person or entity who caused them harm. 

2) The kinds of justice and remuneration a case can achieve.
In a civil case, the victim usually seeks monetary compensation for damages.

In a criminal cases, the courts may award monetary restitution, but also can impose punishments such as fines, imprisonment, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other remedies.

3) The Standard of Proof required to achieve a result.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is generally lower than in criminal cases.

4) Impact on Related Cases
A criminal conviction can sometimes make the civil case more likely to be successful, but it is not necessary to file criminal charges. Even if a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case, you still may be able to file a civil action against the abuser or a third party.

A victim can pursue a civil action whether or not a criminal case has also been filed. 

It depends on several factors.

In most personal injury cases, Donelan Law works on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee for the services unless we win and make a successful recovery. A personal injury case is a civil legal claim brought by an individual seeking compensation for wrongs committed by an individual or entities who caused them preventable harms and losses (i.e., suing an abuser or third party for money damages).

In other types of cases, Donelan Law can be hired for an hourly rate or a flat fee.  For example, representation for obtaining an order of protection is often based on an hourly fee or a flat fee.  After reviewing the facts of your case, we will let you know the initial retainer fee to open a case and candidly discuss potential costs from the beginning and throughout your case.

In many types of cases, Donelan Law only receives a fee after a monetary recovery has been made.  However, in some legal battles with abusers, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Having an attorney as your advocate and legal representative can better protect your time, money, mental health and safety.  Sarah has over 10 years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and she understands the real dangers of some abusers and knows the complicated legal system.

Donelan Law understands that abusers can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, and you may need support with several issues.  We are here to help you navigate whatever legal issues you are facing or make sure you find the right help. This might include defamation claims, criminal charges, and housing issues. 

Please note: Donelan Law does not generally represent clients in family law cases (i.e., divorce and custody cases).

You may still have a civil case.  While police reports can strengthen evidence, they are not required to pursue civil accountability. Each case depends on available proof.

Not necessarily. Many civil cases resolve through settlement before trial. If a case does proceed to trial, we prepare clients thoroughly and prioritize minimizing additional trauma.

You will be informed and involved in decisions every step of the way.

Yes! Donelan Law takes the utmost precautions to ensure your information stays private and it is always the individual’s decision whether or not to move forward with legal action.

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