These rights are set forth in more detail in statutory form by the “Michigan Crime Victim’s Rights Act,” where the rules for restitution are set out, including guidelines for notification of the victim upon release of the criminal, as well as other provisions.

A victim’s rights are essentially the same whether the crime is committed by an adult or by a juvenile, with the exception that if restitution is ordered to be paid when a crime was committed by a juvenile, the juvenile’s parents may be held responsible for payment.

VICTIM RIGHTS UNDER THE MICHIGAN CRIME VICTIM’S RIGHTS ACT

(In Order As They Occur)

YOUR RIGHTS BEFORE TRIAL

Rights Which Automatically Occur

(1) Within 24 hours of your initial contact with a law enforcement agency, such as a police department or the Huron County Office of the Sheriff, that agency must give you the following information:

(a) The availability of emergency and medical services.
(b) The address of the Crime Victim’s Compensation Board and the availability of benefits.
(c) The Prosecuting Attorney’s address and telephone number for information about your rights as a victim.
(d) A notice that, if you are not notified of an arrest in your case, you may call the investigative law enforcement agency for a report on the status of your case.
(2) Property you own that has been seized bythe police during their investigation must be promptly returned to you. This does not include property that is contraband (illegal goods), property whose ownership is disputed or weapons used in the crime. You also may not receive property the Prosecutor may certify needs to be retained as evidence for court proceedings until the case is over.

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