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A victim impact statement is your opportunity to express to the court how this crime has impacted your life financially, emotionally, and physically. It is also your time to express what consequences you would like to see the defendant face. This information is vital to the court. Without your input, the court has to rely on the police report, the prosecuting attorney, and the defendant and/or his/her attorney.
The victim impact statement can be given verbally to the courts and/or in writing on the day of sentencing. A Victim Specialist can assist you in preparing your victim impact statement. If you choose to complete a written victim impact statement, it is best to submit it to our office one week before the date of sentencing. If you are uncertain when the defendant will be sentenced, please contact the Victim Resource Program and we will be happy to provide you the information. It is important to know, the defendant will receive a copy of any written statement that you provide to the courts. The City Attorney and Probation Officer (if the defendant is sentenced to probation) will also receive a copy of your impact statement. If you decide to provide a verbal impact statement, the defendant will be allowed to be present. The victim impact statement should not be confused with testimony.
To obtain a copy of a Victim Impact Statement form click on this link. (Link) Please make sure to include the name of the defendant and their case number on your written statement to assure that is gets to the proper location.
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