Crime victims: notices; crime victim's rights act; amend to reference rights of crime victims in certain prisoner resentencing. Amends secs. 13 & 41 of 1985 PA 87 (MCL 780.763 & 780.791). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0321'23
Impact
By formalizing how and when victims are notified of their rights and the outcomes related to their cases, SB 323 seeks to enhance the procedural landscape for crime victims in Michigan. The changes propose stronger channels of communication between victims and law enforcement, aiming to ensure that victims feel their voices are heard during the judicial process. This could potentially increase victims' engagement and satisfaction with the criminal justice system, as they are more informed about their rights and the proceedings that affect them directly.
Summary
Senate Bill 323 amends the 1985 William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim's Rights Act to enhance the notification processes for crime victims. Key provisions include mandating that prosecuting attorneys inform victims of the defendant's conviction, the crimes committed, and the victims' rights to provide impact statements during the sentencing phase. This aims to empower victims by ensuring they have opportunities to express the emotional, psychological, and financial impacts of the crime on their lives. The bill further clarifies that victims should receive notice via methods that ensure prompt communication.
Contention
The introduction of SB 323 has raised discussions around the implementation and practicality of such notification systems. Critics may argue that the required notifications could place additional burdens on prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement agencies, potentially leading to miscommunications or delays. Defenders of the bill emphasize the necessity of upholding victims' rights and the importance of their involvement in the sentencing process, presenting a balancing act between practical constraints and the rights of victims in the justice system.
Same As
Criminal procedure: sentencing; resentencing upon petition of certain prisoners; provide process for. Amends secs. 12 & 25, ch. IX of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 769.12 & 769.25) & adds secs. 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f, 27g & 27h to ch. IX.
Crime victims: notices; crime victim's rights act; amend to reference rights of crime victims in certain prisoner resentencing. Amends secs. 13 & 41 of 1985 PA 87 (MCL 780.763 & 780.791). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4556'23
Crime victims: notices; notice to crime victim when a prisoner is eligible to receive credits toward sentence; require. Amends secs. 13 & 41 of 1985 PA 87 (MCL 780.763 & 780.791). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0861'24
Crime victims: notices; notice to crime victim when a prisoner is eligible to receive credits toward sentence; require. Amends secs. 13 & 41 of 1985 PA 87 (MCL 780.763 & 780.791). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4450'23
Criminal procedure: sentencing; resentencing upon petition of certain prisoners; provide process for. Amends secs. 12 & 25, ch. IX of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 769.12 & 769.25) & adds secs. 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f, 27g & 27h to ch. IX.
Criminal procedure: sentencing; resentencing upon petition of certain prisoners; provide process for. Amends secs. 12 & 25, ch. IX of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 769.12 & 769.25) & adds secs. 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f, 27g & 27h to ch. IX.