The Berks County Victim/Witness Assistance Unit is dedicated to supporting victims of crime. We feel that it is extremely important for every victim to know their rights.

 You have the right to receive:

• Information about basic services and resources available to you

• Information about certain court events in your case

• Accompaniment to all public court proceedings by a family member, victim advocate or support person

• Assistance with preparing a victim impact statement

• Information and assistance with completing financial compensation forms

• Assistance with property return

• Information about the final disposition of your case

You have the right to provide input into:

• The potential reduction of charges or changing of a plea

• The sentencing/disposition of an offender through a written and/or oral victim impact statement

• Release decisions and escapes of offenders

Additional Bill of Rights are available upon request:

• Receive notice of the filing, hearing or disposition of appeals (adult offender cases only)

• Receive notice when defendant is released from incarceration at sentencing (adult offender cases only)

For a detailed list of the above rights for victims of adult and juvenile offenders, a listing of additional rights for victims of personal injury and sexual assault crimes, please click here.