This week is recognized as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and the Greene County Attorney’s Office works hard to support those individuals in court cases.

Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn tells Raccoon Valley Radio a crime victim has some rights under Iowa law. He says one of those rights is a statement of pecuniary damages that has a list of items that were stolen or medical bills from an assault, and a judge can order the defendant to pay victim restitution at their conviction to make that victim whole. 

Laehn notes another right is that the victim can attend the sentence hearing for a serious misdemeanor and higher charges, as well as make a victim impact statement. This can include how the defendant’s actions affected the victim, as well as a recommendation for a sentence.

“At a sentencing hearing, the judge and the judge alone determines the sentence. But the prosecutor and the defendant can each make a recommendation about what they believe the appropriate punishment should be. The victim also has the right to make a recommendation about what the punishment should be. The judge takes all of that into account and then issues the sentence the judge believes fits the crime.”   

Laehn points out another way that a victim can have support is through a victim/witness coordinator that would facilitate victim impact statements and track if restitution is being paid. However, Laehn says since Greene County does not have that designated position, there are individuals from non-profit organizations like ACCESS Assault Care Center that is an advocate for the victim in violent criminal cases.

“And that’s really beneficial because under the law ultimately I don’t represent the victim, I represent the people of Greene County, and it’s nice for the victim to have someone who is there solely to represent the victim and to advocate on behalf of the victim.” 

Laehn adds that he does take into account what the victim wants and desires in a case, while also representing the people of the county. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 21st-27th.