advocates role in the criminal justice system€¦ · advocates role in the criminal justice system...

ADVOCATES ROLE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE

SYSTEM

PRESENTED BY: REBECCA MILLER

Advocates Role in the Criminal Justice System

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this module participant will be able to:

• Understand the role and challenges of prosecution based advocates

• Explain how advocates help navigate victims through the Criminal Justice system

Advocates Role in the Advocates Role in the Criminal Justice SystemCriminal Justice SystemJ yJ y

Presented by:Rebecca Miller

ObjectivesObjectives

• To understand the role of prosecution based advocates

• To understand the advocates responsibilities in helping navigate victims through the Criminal Justice system

Victim Witness Victim Witness Protection ActProtection Act

• “to enhance and protect

the necessary role of crimethe necessary role of crime

victims and witnesses in

the criminal justice

process”

Maine/New Hampshire Victim Assistance Academy 2012 - Advocates Role in the Criminal Justice System 1

• To assist victims, and witnesses of

crime w/o infringing on the

Victim Witness Victim Witness Protection ActProtection Act

crime w/o infringing on the

constitutional rights of defendants…

HARRY AND SALLY

The Criminal Justice The Criminal Justice ProcessProcess

STATE STATE VVV. V.

ACCUSEDACCUSED


Role of Prosecution Based Role of Prosecution Based Advocates :Advocates :

•After arrest• Pre‐Trial• Trial• Post‐Conviction

Activity Activity ScenariosScenarios

Prosecution Based Advocacy1) What are your roles and responsibilities as a

prosecution based advocate?

2) What are some obstacles/ challenges that the prosecution based advocate faces?

3) Explore the expectations of the victim and the realities of the criminal justice system


MAINE CRIMINAL STATUTES Title 16

CHAPTER 1 WITNESSES

SUBCHAPTER 2

QUALIFICATIONS, PRIVIDLEGES AND CREDIBILITY 16 §53-A. PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELORS 1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. Rape crisis center. "Rape crisis center" means any publicly or privately funded agency, institution or facility existing in this State, having as its purpose to reduce the trauma of sexual assault to sexual assault victims and their families through crisis intervention, counseling, medical and legal information and dissemination of educational information pertaining to sexual assault. [1983, c. 319, (NEW).] B. Sexual assault counselor. "Sexual assault counselor" means a person who has: (1) Undergone a program of training from a rape crisis center which shall include, but not be limited to: Law, medicine, societal attitudes, crisis intervention, counseling techniques and referral services; and (2) Is either a staff member, paid or unpaid, or under the supervision of a staff member of a rape crisis center. [1983, c. 319, (NEW).] [ 1983, c. 319, (NEW) .] 2. Privileged communications. Except with regard to reporting, cooperating in an investigation or giving evidence pursuant to Title 22, chapter 958-A or 1071, or except at the request, or with the consent of, the victim of sexual assault, a sexual assault counselor may not be required to testify in any civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity about any information that the sexual assault counselor may have acquired in providing sexual assault counseling services. A sexual assault counselor or a rape crisis center may not be required to disclose to the court any records, notes, memoranda or documents containing MRS Title 16, Chapter 1: WITNESSES

4 | 16 §53-B. Privileged communications to victim advocate; family violence

confidential communications. When a court in the exercise of sound discretion determines the disclosure necessary to the proper administration of justice, information communicated to, or otherwise learned by, that sexual assault counselor in connection with the provision of sexual assault counseling services is not privileged and disclosure may be required. [ 2007, c. 577, §1 (AMD) .] SECTION HISTORY 1983, c. 319, (NEW). 2007, c. 577, §1 (AMD).

16 §53-B. PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS TO VICTIM ADVOCATE; FAMILY VIOLENCE 1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Advocate" means an employee of or volunteer for a nongovernmental program for victims of domestic or family violence who: (1) Has undergone at least 30 hours of training; and (2) As a primary function with the program gives advice to, counsels or assists victims, supervises employees or volunteers who perform that function or administers the program. [1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW).]


A-1. "Confidential communications" means all information, whether written or oral, transmitted between a victim and a domestic violence advocate in the course of the working relationship. "Confidential communications" includes, but is not limited to, information received or given by the advocate in the course of the working relationship, advice, records, reports, notes, memoranda, working papers, electronic communications, case files, history and statistical data, including name, date of birth and social security number, that personally identify the victim. [2005, c. 388, §1 (NEW).] B. "Victim" means a victim of domestic or family violence. [1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW).] [ 2005, c. 388, §1 (AMD) .] 2. Privileged communication. Communications are privileged from disclosure as follows. A. A victim may refuse to disclose and may deny permission to an advocate to disclose confidential written or oral communications between the victim and the advocate and written records, notes, memoranda or reports concerning the victim. [1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW).] B. Except as provided in subsection 3, a victim, advocate or advocate's agency may not be required through oral or written testimony or through production of documents to disclose to a court in criminal or civil proceedings or to any other agency or person confidential communications between the victim and the advocate. [1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW).] [ 1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW) .] 3. Exceptions. A person may not be required to publicly disclose the address or location of a domestic or family violence shelter or safe house, except that privileged communications may be disclosed in the following cases: A. When disclosure is required under Title 22, chapter 958-A or 1071 and that disclosure is in accordance with the provisions of either chapter; [2007, c. 577, §2 (AMD).] MRS Title 16, Chapter 1: WITNESSES

16 §53-C. Privileged communications to governmental victim witness advocates or coordinators | 5 B. When a court in the exercise of its discretion determines the disclosure of the information necessary to the proper administration of justice, an inspection of records may be held in camera by the judge to determine whether those records contain relevant information. This proceeding does not entitle an opposing party to examine the records unless those records are made available by the court; or [1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW).] C. When a victim dies or is incapable of giving consent and disclosure is required for an official law enforcement investigation or criminal proceeding regarding the cause of that victim's death or incapacitation. [1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW).] [ 1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW); 2007, c. 577, §2 (AMD) .] SECTION HISTORY 1995, c. 128, §1 (NEW). 2005, c. 388, §1 (AMD). 2007, c. 577, §2 (AMD).

16 §53-C. PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS TO GOVERNMENTAL VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATES OR COORDINATORS 1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Crime" means a criminal offense in which there is a victim, as defined in this section. [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] B. "Victim" means: (1) A person against whom a crime has been committed; (2) The immediate family of a victim of a crime if: (a) The underlying crime is one of domestic violence or sexual assault or one in which the family suffered serious physical trauma or serious financial loss; or (b) Due to death, age or physical or mental disease, disorder or defect, the victim is unable to participate as allowed under this chapter. [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] C. "Victim witness advocate" or "victim witness coordinator" means an employee of or volunteer for a district attorney, the Attorney General or the United States Attorney whose primary job function is to advise, counsel or assist victims or witnesses of crimes, to supervise other employees or volunteers who


perform that function or to administer the program. [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] [ 1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW) .] 2. Privileged communications. Communications are privileged from disclosure as follows. A. A victim may refuse to disclose and may deny permission to a victim witness advocate or coordinator to disclose confidential written or oral communications between the victim and the advocate or coordinator and written records, notes, memoranda or reports concerning the victim. [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] B. Except as provided in subsection 3, a victim, advocate or coordinator or the victim advocate's or coordinator's employer may not be required, through oral or written testimony or through production of documents, to disclose to a court in criminal or civil proceedings or to any other agency or person confidential communications between the victim and the advocate or coordinator. [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] [ 1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW) .] 3. Exceptions. Privileged communications may be disclosed in the following cases: MRS Title 16, Chapter 1: WITNESSES

6 | 16 §54. Attestation of wills and instruments not affected

A. Disclosure may be made to the district attorney, Attorney General or the United States Attorney or their assistants; [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] B. When disclosure is required under Title 22, chapter 958-A or 1071 and that disclosure is in accordance with either chapter; [2007, c. 577, §3 (AMD).] C. When a court in the exercise of its discretion determines the disclosure of information necessary to the proper administration of justice, an inspection of records may be held in camera by the judge to determine whether those records contain relevant information. This proceeding does not entitle an opposing party to examine the records unless those records are made available by the court; [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] D. When a victim dies or is incapable of giving consent and disclosure is required for an official law enforcement investigation or criminal proceeding regarding the cause of that victim's death or incapacitation; or [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] E. Evidence of an exculpatory nature must be disclosed to the criminal defendants pursuant to the Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 16. [1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW).] [ 1999, c. 369, §1 (NEW); 2007, c. 577, §3 (AMD) .]


Section 173-C:1

173-C:1 Definitions. – In this chapter: I. "Confidential communication'' means information transmitted between a victim, as defined in paragraph VI, of an alleged sexual assault,alleged domestic abuse, alleged sexual harassment, or alleged stalking, and a sexual assault or domestic violence counselor in the course of thatrelationship and in confidence by means which, so far as the victim is aware, does not disclose the information to a third person. The presence of aninterpreter for the hearing impaired, a foreign language interpreter, or any other interpreter necessary for that communication to take place shall notaffect the confidentiality of the communication nor shall it be deemed a waiver of the privilege. The term includes all information received by thesexual assault or domestic violence counselor in the course of that relationship. II. "Domestic violence center'' means any organization or agency which would qualify as a direct service grantee under RSA 173-B:21. III. "Domestic violence counselor'' means any person who is employed or appointed or who volunteers in a domestic violence center whorenders support, counseling, or assistance to victims of domestic abuse or attempted domestic abuse, who has satisfactorily completed 30 hours oftraining in a bona fide program which has been developed by a center as defined in RSA 173-C:1, II. IV. "Rape crisis center'' means any public or private agency, office, or center that primarily offers assistance to victims of sexual assault and theirfamilies and provides all the following services: (a) Crisis intervention to victims of sexual assault 24 hours per day. (b) Support services to victims of sexual assault by trained volunteers during the hospital examination, police investigation, and courtproceedings. (c) Referral of victims of sexual assault to public and private agencies offering needed services. (d) The establishment of peer counseling services for the victims of sexual assault. (e) The development of training programs and the standardization of procedures for law enforcement, hospital, legal and social servicepersonnel to enable them to respond appropriately to the needs of victims. (f) The coordination of services which are being provided by existing agencies. (g) Education of the public about the nature and scope of sexual assault and the services which are available. (h) Development of services to meet the needs of special populations, for example, children, the elderly, and minorities. (i) Court advocacy through the criminal justice system. V. "Sexual assault counselor'' means any person who is employed or appointed or who volunteers in a rape crisis center who renders support,

CHAPTER 173-C CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN VICTIMS AND COU... http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/173-C/173-C-mrg.htm

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counseling, or assistance to victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault, who has satisfactorily completed 30 hours of training in a bonafide program which has been developed by a rape crisis center as defined in RSA 173-C:1, IV. VI. "Victim'' means any person alleging sexual assault under RSA 632-A, domestic abuse as defined in RSA 173-B:1, stalking under RSA633:3-a, or sexual harassment as defined under state or federal law, who consults a sexual assault counselor or a domestic violence counselor forthe purpose of securing support, counseling or assistance concerning a mental, physical, emotional, legal, housing, medical, or financial problemcaused by an alleged act of sexual assault or domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual harassment, or an alleged attempted sexual assault or domesticabuse.

Source. 1985, 98:1. 1990, 241:7. 1998, 345:1, 2. 1999, 240:4, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.

Section 173-C:2

173-C:2 Privilege. – I. A victim has the privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing a confidential communication made by thevictim to a sexual assault counselor or a domestic violence counselor, including any record made in the course of support, counseling, or assistanceof the victim. Any confidential communication or record may be disclosed only with the prior written consent of the victim. This privilegeterminates upon the death of the victim. I-a. The privilege and confidentiality under paragraph I shall extend to: (a) A third person present to assist communication with the victim. (b) A third person present to assist a victim who is physically challenged. (c) Co-participants in support group counseling of the victim. II. Persons prevented from disclosing a confidential communication or record pursuant to paragraph I shall be exempt from the provisions ofRSA 631:6.

Source. 1985, 98:1. 1990, 241:8. 1994, 259:10, eff. June 2, 1994.

Section 173-C:3

173-C:3 Assertion or Waiver of Privilege. – The privilege may be claimed or waived in all civil, administrative, and criminal legal proceedings,including discovery proceedings, by the following persons: I. The victim or an attorney on the victim's behalf. II. The guardian of the victim, if the victim has been found incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction. III. A minor victim who is emancipated, married, or over the age of 15, unless, in the opinion of the court, the minor is incapable of knowinglywaiving the privilege. A guardian ad litem shall be appointed in all cases in which there is a potential conflict of interest between a victim under theage of 18 and his parent or guardian.

Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.


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Section 173-C:4

173-C:4 Partial Waiver. – Waiver as to a specific portion of communication between the victim and the counselor shall not constitute a waiverof the privilege as to other portions of the confidential communication between victim and counselor, relating to the alleged crime.

Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.

Section 173-C:5

173-C:5 Limitation on the Privilege; Criminal Proceedings. – In criminal proceedings when a defendant seeks information privileged underthis chapter in discovery or at trial, the procedure below shall be followed: I. A written pretrial motion shall be made by the defendant to the court stating that the defendant seeks discovery of records of a rape crisiscenter or domestic violence center or testimony of a sexual assault counselor or domestic violence counselor. The written motion shall beaccompanied by an affidavit setting forth specific grounds as to why discovery is requested and showing that there is a substantial likelihood thatfavorable and admissible information would be obtained through discovery or testimony. No discovery or hearing shall occur pursuant to theinformation sought to be disclosed for at least 3 business days after the filing of a motion for disclosure. II. The only information subject to discovery from the records of a rape crisis center or a domestic violence center or which may be elicitedduring the testimony of a sexual assault or domestic violence counselor are those statements of the victim which relate to the alleged crime beingprosecuted in the instant trial. III. Prior to admission of information at deposition, trial, or other legal proceeding, when a claim of privilege has been asserted and whether ornot the information was obtained through discovery, the burden of proof shall be upon the defendant to establish by a preponderance of theevidence that: (a) The probative value of the information, in the context of the particular case, outweighs its prejudicial effect on the victim's emotional orphysical recovery, privacy, or relationship with the counselor or the rape crisis or domestic violence center. (b) That the information sought is unavailable from any other source. (c) That there is a substantial probability that the failure to disclose that information will interfere with the defendant's right to confront thewitnesses against him and his right to a fair trial. IV. The trial court shall review each motion for disclosure of information on a case by case basis and determine on the totality of thecircumstances that the information sought is or is not subject to the privilege established in RSA 173-C:2. In finding that the privilege shall notapply in a particular case, the trial court shall make written findings as to its reasons therefor. V. The records and testimony of a rape crisis center or domestic violence center shall be disclosed solely to the trial judge to determine, as amatter of law, whether the information contained in the records or testimony is admissible under this chapter. VI. That portion of any record and testimony of a rape crisis center or domestic violence center which is not disclosed to the defendant shall bepreserved by the court under seal for appeal. For the purpose of preservation, a copy of the record shall be retained with the original released to thecenter. Costs of duplication shall be borne by the defendant. VII. If, after disclosure of privileged information, the court upholds the privilege claim, the court shall impose a protective order against revealingany of the information without the consent of the person authorized to permit disclosure.


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Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.

Section 173-C:6

173-C:6 Locations of Centers Privileged. – Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the location and the street address of a rapecrisis center or domestic violence center are absolutely privileged.

Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.

Section 173-C:7

173-C:7 Involuntary Waiver. – The privilege established by this chapter shall not apply when the sexual assault counselor or the domesticviolence counselor has knowledge that the victim has given perjured testimony and when the defendant has made an offer of proof that there isprobable cause to believe that perjury has been committed.

Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.

Section 173-C:8

173-C:8 Failure to Testify. – Failure of any person to testify as a witness pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall not give rise to aninference unfavorable to the prosecution or the defense.

Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.

Section 173-C:9

173-C:9 Appeal. – The victim shall have a right to interlocutory appeal to the supreme court from any decision by a court to require thedisclosure of records or testimony of a rape crisis or domestic violence center or sexual assault or domestic violence counselor.

Source. 1985, 98:1, eff. May 10, 1985.

Section 173-C:10

173-C:10 Counselor's Duty to Report Child Abuse. – The domestic violence or sexual assault counselor shall have the same reporting dutiesunder RSA 169-C:29 as other professionals, providing that this duty shall not apply where a minor is seeking relief pursuant to RSA 173-B:3 forabuse by a spouse or former spouse of the minor, or by an intimate partner who is not related to the minor by consanguinity or affinity. As used inthis section, "abuse'' and "intimate partners'' shall be as defined in RSA 173-B:1.


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Source. 1985, 98:1. 1994, 259:11, eff. June 2, 1994.


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The New Hampshire Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

Victims of felonious crimes committed by an adult offender are entitled to the following rights under NH RSA 21-M:8-K. Family members of homicide are considered to be

victims under the Bill of Rights. 1. The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy

throughout the criminal justice process. 2. The right to be informed about the criminal justice process and how it progresses. 3. The right to be free from intimidation and to be reasonably protected from the

accused throughout the criminal justice process. 4. The right to be notified of all court proceedings. 5. The right to attend trial and all other court proceedings the accused has the right to

attend. 6. The right to confer with the prosecution and to be consulted about the disposition of

the case, including plea bargaining. 7. The right to have inconveniences associated with participation in the criminal justice

process minimized. 8. The right to be notified if presence in court is not required. 9. The right to be informed about available resources, financial assistance, and social

services. 10. The right to restitution, as granted under RSA 651:62-67 or any other applicable state

law, or victim's compensation, under RSA 21-M:8-h or any other applicable state law, for their losses.

11. The right to be provided a secure, but not necessarily separate, waiting area during

court proceedings. 12. The right to be advised of case progress and final disposition. 13. The right of confidentiality of the victim's address, place of employment, and other

personal information. 14. The right to the prompt return of property when no longer needed as evidence. 15. The right to have input in the probation pre-sentence report impact statement. 16. The right to appear and make a written or oral victim impact statement at the

sentencing of the defendant or, in the case of a plea bargain, prior to any plea bargain


agreement. No victim shall be subject to questioning by counsel when giving an impact statement. **

17. The right to be notified of an appeal, an explanation of the appeal process, the time,

place and result of the appeal, and the right to attend the appeal hearing. 18. The right to be notified of, to attend, and to make a written or oral victim impact

statement at the sentence review hearings and sentence reduction hearings. No victim shall be subject to questioning by counsel when giving an impact statement.

19. The right to be notified of any change of status such as prison release, permanent interstate transfer, or escape, and the date of the parole board hearing, when requested by the victim through the victim advocate.

20. The right to address or submit a written statement for consideration by the parole

board on the defendant's release and to be notified of the decision of the board, when requested by the victim through the victim advocate.

21. The right to all federal and state constitutional rights guaranteed to all victims of

crime on an equal basis, and notwithstanding the provisions of any laws on capital punishment, the right not to be discriminated against or have their rights as a victim denied, diminished, expanded, or enhanced on the basis of the victim's support for, opposition to, or neutrality on the death penalty.

22. The right to access to restorative justice programs, including victim-initiated victim-

offender dialogue programs offered through the department of corrections. 23. The right to be informed of the filing of a petition for post-conviction DNA testing

under RSA 651-D.

**In any case where the victim informs the court that he or she requires assistance in making an oral or written impact statement permitted under this section, the court shall allow the victim to designate a representative to write or speak on the victim's behalf.

The victim's impact statement shall not be limited to the injuries, harm, or damages noted in the information or indictment, but may include all injuries, harm, and damages suffered as a result of the commission or attempted commission of the crime whether or not the injuries, harm, or damages were fully determined or discovered at the time the information or indictment was filed.


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