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ALERT! In observance of the holiday: County of Berks offices and buildings will close to the public from 12 PM, December 24, 2024, through December 25, 2024 (reopening 8 AM, December 26, 2024) and 12 PM, December 31, 2024, through January 1, 2025 (reopening 8 AM, January 2, 2025).

Please note – 24/7 operations at the county courthouse and services center will remain operational.

Victim Bill Of Rights

Victim Bill Of Rights

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.